Volume 1 contains a general section and introductory chapters to historical observations on the biology of burnet moths (Zygaena F.) with detailed remarks on Afrotropical and Oriental Zygaeninae. The descriptive text of the life history of each species is richly illustrated with colour figures of batches of ova, fully-grown larvae, pupae and cocoons, and adult moths, all reproduced from photographs of living individuals. The sections on zoogeography, ethology and ecology include colour photos of the many habitats of burnet moths, taken on expeditions to various parts of the Palaearctic region.