Cover image for The language of butterflies : how thieves, hoarders, scientists, and other obsessives unlocked the secrets of the world's favorite insect
Title:
The language of butterflies : how thieves, hoarders, scientists, and other obsessives unlocked the secrets of the world's favorite insect
Summary:
Butterflies are one of the world's most beloved insects. From butterfly gardens to zoo exhibitions, they are one of the few insects we've encouraged to infiltrate our lives. Yet, what has drawn us to these creatures in the first place? And what are their lives really like? In this groundbreaking book, New York Times bestselling author and science journalist Wendy Williams reveals the inner lives of these "flying flowers"—creatures far more intelligent and tougher than we give them credit for. Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada to Mexico. Other species have learned how to fool ants into taking care of them. Butterflies' scales are inspiring researchers to create new life-saving medical technology. Williams takes readers to butterfly habitats across the globe and introduces us to not only various species, but to the scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying them. Coupled with years of research and knowledge gained from experts in the field, this accessible "butterfly biography" explores the ancient partnership between these special creatures and humans, and why they continue to fascinate us today. Touching, eye-opening, and incredibly profound, The Language of Butterflies reveals the critical role they play in our world.
Edition:
First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition.
Contents:
Introduction -- Past. The gateway drug ; Down the rabbit hole ; The number one butterfly ; Flash and dazzle ; How butterflies saved Charles Darwin's bacon -- Present. Amelia's butterfly ; A parasol of monarchs ; The honeymoon hotel ; Seablands ; On the Raindance Ranch ; A sense of mystical wonder -- Future. The social butterfly ; Paroxysms of ecstasy ; The butterfly highway -- Epilogue: In the mountains of Mexico.
Physical Description:
xiv, 224 pages, 12 unnumbered pages of plates : color illustrations ; 24 cm
Subject Term:
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster,
Publication Date:
2020
ISBN:
9781501178061

9781501178078
Publication Information:
New York : Simon & Schuster, 2020.

©2020
Call Number:
595.78 WILLIAMS
Holds: Copies: