Books on UK Microlepidoptera

[Roger C. KENDRICK]

Hi Charles (& other interested parties),

The Moths & Butterflies series is a definite must buy (the whole series, as
the macromoths are dealt with much more comprehensively than in Skinner's
book, although the distribution information is a little out of date in
volumes 9 and 10). If you can afford the hardback set, go for it as it will
last a lot longer than the soft cover version. The illustrations in vols. 1
& 2 are not too great, but the text is very helpful and there are keys to
genera and species, so identification shouldn't be too difficult (many will
require 'laboratory' determination as field characters are not always
definitive guides to identification). Be prepared to take voucher specimens
to confirm identifications.
Also worth obtaining are the 2 volumes of the Tortricidae (Bradley et al)
published by the Ray Society in 1973 and 1979. Volume 2 is out of print but
should be obtainable on the open market.
Barry Goater's book is also very helpful, although the plate illustrating
the Scopariinae is not too clear.
Emmett's 'Smaller Lepidoptera' is not an identification guide; it contains
information more useful in terms of field characteristics that can only
really be used with an experienced micro recorder helping out. There are no
illustrations.

hope this helps,

Roger.

Charles Fletcher wrote:

> I have discovered the joys of Moth trapping this year and have become
> hooked.  Armed with "Skinner" and a knowledgeable friend to call on, I
> have managed to identify nearly all of the Macrolepidoptera I have
> caught, but I would love to know more about identification of the
> Micros.  I have seen various books advertised, but before I fork out any
> money, I wondered what books are recommended  by other UK moth addicts.
>
> I have seen advertised:
> British Pyralid Moths by B Goater
> Guide to the Smaller Lepidoptera by A Emmett
> The Moths and Butterflies of GB and Ireland - the first four volumes
> seem to deal with Micros.
>
> What books do you all recommend, and are there other books that I should
> be getting hold of?  Any help here for a newbie would be most
> appreciated.
> --
> Charles Fletcher



--
Roger C. KENDRICK
  Demonstrator / Ph.D. Student
  Dept. of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong
  mailto:kendrick at hkusua.hku.hk

mailing address:
  Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong
  Lam Kam Road, Shek Kong, Yuen Long, New Territories, HONG KONG

Hong Kong Moths website coordinator
  http://hkusub.hku.hk/~kendrick/hkmoth.htm

HK Lepidopterists' Society Website
  http://members.xoom.com/hkls/ (English version)
  http://hklg.163.net/ (Chinese summary)