The third edition of the Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland has been fully revised, updated and restructured, bringing it in line with the latest thinking in taxonomy. Moths are illustrated in their natural resting postures, and there are also paintings of different forms, underwings and other details to help with identification. New descriptions and illustrations have been included for species that have been newly recorded in Britain and Ireland since the last edition of Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland was published. The text descriptions of all other species – covering field characters and similar species, flight season, life cycle, larval foodplants, and habitat – have been revised and updated where necessary, and particular attention has been paid to updating the distribution information, which is now supported by maps. The revised general introduction explains how the methods of identifying and recording moths have evolved over recent years with the advent of new technologies and as a result of data analysis.
Paul Waring was born in the New Forest. A schoolboy interest in caterpillars led to Honours Zoology at the University of Oxford and a PhD on the impact of woodland management in Bernwood Forest. Since 1987, he has worked full time on moth conservation in Britain, both within government conservation agencies and as a freelancer, as well as mothing throughout the world.
Martin Townsend started specialising in Lepidoptera at the age of ten. He graduated with a BSc in Zoology from the University of Aberdeen in 1985, and since then has worked in ecological research and conservation. He is now an independent consultant, carrying out site surveys for conservation bodies and other landowners.
Richard Lewington studied graphic design at the Berkshire College of Art, and since leaving in 1971 has specialised in natural-history illustration. His meticulous paintings are the mainstay of many of the modern classics of field-guide art.
"[...] There can be few moth enthusiasts without a well-thumbed copy of this book on their shelves. Whether you have an earlier version or not this edition has much new information, maintains the previous high standard, and is well worth adding to your library – it won’t remain unread for long."
– Graham Geen, BTO book reviews
"The most important book on moths published since Skinner [...] "
– British Birds
"If you only want one moth guide, it has to be this."
– The London Naturalist
"The new benchmark!"
– Birdwatch