An essential guide to rearing butterflies and moths in a butterfly-friendly garden.
This outstanding guidebook is for butterfly lovers and gardeners who not only want to create a butterfly-friendly garden, but also want to support butterflies and moths in order to maintain healthy populations. This second edition is updated with new information and 10 new butterfly and moth species to raise and enjoy.
Author Brenda Dziedzic noticed that there were far fewer butterflies around today than she saw in her childhood. Starting in her own garden she set out to learn why and what she could do to fix this. Raising Butterflies and Moths in the Garden is the outcome of what she learned about these fascinating insects and the native plants they depend on. In this book, Dziedzic shares the vast experience she gained in helping butterflies thrive through all stages of life. She shows readers how they can do the same - no matter the time of year or the size of their property - by providing all the information and practical guidance they need.
Raising Butterflies and Moths in the Garden features more than 550 color photographs showing the life cycles of over 45 butterflies and moths - from egg to adult - as well as the host and nectar plants they rely on. Each profiled species also includes a North American range map. These are the new butterflies and moths included in this second edition:
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Calleta Silkmoth (Eupackardia calleta)
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Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
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Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae)
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Io Moth (Automeris io)
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Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
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Pink-striped Oakworm Moth (Anisota virginiensis)
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Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis)
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Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
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Tersa Sphinx (Xylophanes tersa)
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Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus).
Like the highly successful first edition, Raising Butterflies and Moths in the Garden is bound to become an excellent seller in retail settings as well as a popular reference in libraries and schools.
About the Author
Brenda Dziedzic is a gardener whose life changed when she became interested in butterflies. She is now an expert on the subject of raising Lepidopteran species and has won numerous awards for her work. Her memberships include the Southeast Michigan Butterfly Association, Monarch Watch and the North American Butterfly Association. Among her many awards and honors are Master Gardener of the Year and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives. Her Westland, Michigan, garden has also been designated a Butterfly Habitat. She lectures widely and is a media personality on TV and radio.
Industry Reviews
[Review of previous edition: ] An indispensable reference book that should be in every naturalists' library... In this fantastic book we get a brief introduction to the author, who has been successful at raising over 5,000 butterflies... The pictures in this book are phenomenal and it is what sets this book apart from most of the other books of its type out there. They are all in full color and are crystal clear. It is so nice to see the eggs of these butterflies and moths in such detail and I have always believed that the ultimate field guide should have pictures of every stage of the caterpillars growth, especially since in many species they differ so much from instar to instar. I honestly feel that Brenda Dziedzic has now set the bar on how books on butterflies and moths should be presented. Though the text may be minimal, what is captured in the photos makes this a reference work that amateurs and professionals can both use, over and over again. This is a good size book, clocking in at 336 pages and is the perfect size to have with you out in the garden as you try to identify your visitors or to bring with you to the local nursery.--David Albaugh "Dave the Bug Guy blog" (1/26/2020 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Dziedzic's detailed guide... Is written for both amateurs and more experienced butterfly gardeners, breaking down in great detail which plants attract roughly 40 species of butterflies and moths, including swallowtails, brushfoots, skippers and silk moths. It also maps out the life cycle of each species.--Maureen Feighan "Detroit News" (9/12/2019 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] I appreciated all the tips she shares on how to attract butterflies to your backyard. And why it is important to plant both nectar and host plants. She also shares how to create your own butterfly nursery... If you like butterflies, you will enjoy this book.-- "The River Blog" (11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] I recommend this book to people who would like to learn more about butterflies and are looking for a go-to guide for identification at all life stages. The photography makes this a fantastic book to identify what you are seeing outside or to simply learn more about each species. It is a great first book for readers interested in planning pollinator gardens, a launching pad for further exploration into local flora and fauna.--Tianna Burke "The Canadian Field Naturalist" (9/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Master Gardener Brenda Dziedzic has a 60-ft by 120-ft garden in Michigan, but has 30 different species of butterflies and moths visiting her yard! Her book is full of informative photos that provide detailed information about every aspect of the wide range of butterflies and moths.-- "Niagara Escarpment Views" (3/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Readers looking to create compatible environments for specific butterfly populations will find Raising Butterflies in the Garden a treasure trove of specifics packed with maps, close-up color photos, and how-to advice.--Diane Donovan "Donovan's Literary Services" (1/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] This book makes it easy for even beginner naturalists and gardeners to attract butterflies to their gardens. Featuring over 500 photos of butterflies in all stages of their life cycle, this book has something of interest for adults and children alike. Readers will learn which native host plants attract specific species of caterpillars as well as which nectar sources are preferred by each caterpillar's inevitable butterfly. Hobbyists to Master Gardeners can glean information from this excellent resource.--Julie Traveglini "Green Teacher Magazine" (3/29/2021 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] This scientific guide to nurturing a butterfly-friendly garden is written in a very clear and accessible style and the author's passion and expertise come alive on every page... The text is reader-friendly and informative... After reading her book, I am motivated to do more to help butterflies thrive around our home. It's really not that hard, no matter the season or size of a property, and the rewards are truly a delight.--Sally Peterson "The Oregonian" (12/8/2019 12:00:00 AM)
