Authoritative and informative, Southern African Moths & Their Caterpillars provides a comprehensive overview of the moth fauna of the region.

Featuring more than 1,500 of the 11,000 species occurring here, the guide focuses on those that are most abundant, of economical or ecological importance, conspicuous or unusual.

This essential guide offers:

• Authoritative text richly supported with photographs of both adult moth and larva
• Clear ID pointers plus information on biology, habitat and distribution
• An informative introduction covering evolution, life cycle, diversity and ecological importance of moths

Southern Africa boasts wonderful invertebrate diversity and abundance. In this book, approximately 1,500 species of the region's moths - and most of their caterpillars - are illustrated with images of live specimens. A diagnosis based on visible characters is provided, also enabling the user to readily identify many closely related species not illustrated. Known host associations, habitat preferences, phenology and accurate distribution maps are provided for each species. As the only substantive and up-to-date guide to the rich moth fauna of the wider southern African region, this volume fills a gap in the natural history books of Africa. Furthermore, it includes data from citizen science project The Caterpillar Rearing Group to depict caterpillar stage and respective host plant/s for a sizeable proportion of the southern African moth fauna. Based on more than 270,000 location records, preferred habitats and point-based distribution maps are provided for the first time. A crucial addition to our understanding of the wildlife of the African continent.

This new pocket guide covers both common and interesting insects from South Africa, making it possible to identify a wide range of local species.

Some 431 insects are featured, many of which we may have spotted in our houses and gardens. Each is described with its key identification features, a colour photograph and distribution map.

An illustrated quick reference guide on the inside front and back covers makes it quick and easy to navigate to the right insect group.

Freshwater life – the first illustrated field guide of its kind for the wider southern African region – describes a vast range of plant and animal groups in a single volume.

A ground-breaking concept that encompasses diverse groups from the large and conspicuous vertebrates to the diverse microscopic taxa, the book facilitates identifi cation and describes the ecology of more than 1,000 freshwater organisms.

Species have been selected on the basis of how likely they are to be encountered, and each account is accompanied by photographs and a distribution map. A comprehensive introduction details the ecology and signifi cance of freshwater systems. This indispensible, easy-to-use guide will prove invaluable to outdoor enthusiasts, students and conservationists.

While alien plants have been well publicised, this is the first book to be published on alien animals of Africa. It describes the history of each invasion, and the ecological and economic impacts in South Africa; and it discusses the effect of introduced biocontrol agents (usually insects), which are also alien species released deliberately to control problem plants. Key features are: Each group of animals is covered in a separate chapter written by a specialist in the field; colour photographs of each species; Maps for each species’ native mand introduced range, and a detailed map of its spread in South Africa; text covers identification and biology, distribution, impacts and control for the particular species; alien animals are considered in all habitats, including freshwater, terrestrial and marine. The book will be an essential reference for conservationists, farmers, reserve managers, gardeners, anglers, biology students and researchers, and of interest to the lay public.

This trusted best-seller has been comprehensively updated and expanded to feature accounts of over 1,500 species and insect groups. Included are the most common, most economically and ecologically important, interesting and attractive insects in the region.

It features:

• vivid photographs

• easy-to-read text

• detailed accounts covering identifi cation, biology, distribution and related species

• a helpful introduction detailing the signifi cance, life history, collection and photography of insects, and

• quick reference guides on the inside covers to facilitate identifi cation.

Entomologists both amateur and professional, students, gardeners, farmers, tourists and anyone with an interest in the natural world will appreciate this illuminating and invaluable guide.