Australian insect books

including butterflies

from Australian-Wildlife.com

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Books about Australian Insects
1. Australian Insects, an introduction.
       Haddlington

This book was written in 1998 but it somehow manages to seem much older. The mix of colour photos and black and white ones gives this a distinctly dated feel, as if they couldn't afford to do a proper job. It has the feel of a school text book (which may indeed be the target audience) which is a shame really because there's good information included.

However, as a compromise between a field guide and an introductory text book it does okay. Distribution is covered where known, as is habitat, and the 14 page introduction to the subject (essentially taxonomy) is first rate. There are tips on catching insects and the inclusion of spiders will probably be welcomed by all, and is something I've not seen elsewhere.

In conclusion, not a bad book, but certainly not my first choice, and not really a field guide. 5/10
Size mm/in
262x183x8 / 10.3x7.2x0.3
Weight g/oz
          370/13 approx
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
No
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Paper
117
Yes
Yes
8/10
5/10
No
No
No
No
No
5/10
2. Insects of Australia
      Hangay, German

Unlike birding field guides which can be about identification and little else, insect field guides have to offer something more. This is because the huge number of recorded insects means that complete coverage is far from possible and the aim really becomes one of ID to the level of order. In order to do this one needs to have a better understanding of the basics of entomology and so the quality of the introductory information becomes so much more important.

This book, whilst not the best in its class, is still pretty good. The introduction is great, with an interesting section on avoiding insects curiously sandwiched between one on finding them and one on keeping them (something for everyone!), the quality of the photos is high with representative species from each family, it's a good size and is generally very informative. 7 out of 10
Size mm/in
210x141x9 / 8.2x5.5x0.4
Weight g/oz
       285/10 approx.
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
No
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Paper
128
Yes
Yes
9/10
8/10
No
No
No
Yes
No
7/10
3. A Field Guide to the Insects of Australia
     Zborowski

To my mind this is the best of the bunch. It has the same intentions as the other insect books (to help foster an interest as well as aid identification) but it just does most things better. The introduction is pretty good, with sections on 'What is an insect?', mimicry, classification, collecting and life cycles.  The photo quality is excellent and the information provided about each family covered is useful if not exactly comprehensive.

The fact that it is a glossy makes it heavier than necessary but it's still not weighty. It couldn't compete with the best of the bird or mammal field guides but in this field it's the winner. 9/10
Size mm/in
230x145x13 /  9x5.7x0.5
Weight g/oz
   400/14 approx.
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
No
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Paper
208
Yes
Yes
7/10
10/10
No
No
No
Yes
No
9/10
4. The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia
    Braby

This is one of the better field guides that you will find anywhere. A good size, not too heavy, complete coverage, great photos and maps, a glossary and a checklist and both scientific and common name indexes. The descriptions show variations, habitat, status and behaviour so identification should be a piece of cake, and the similar species list is there just in case you get stuck.

The introduction is also very good, possibly too much for some but you can always skip it.

The lack of egg,larva and pupa information and pictures limits the range of this book, but that's the authors choice.

If you're interested in identifying Australian butterflies then for the time being this is your best choice. 9/10
Size mm/in
210x147x19
Weight g/oz
           ?
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
Yes
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Paper
337
Yes
Yes
9/10
10/10
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
9/10
5. A Field Guide to Australian Butterflies
        Fisher

Another book which feels dated. A strange choice to make it hard back and yet pocket sized, not something you want from a field guide. No complete coverage, no distribution maps, no checklist and only a brief introduction combine to make this a poor choice for anyone hoping to identify butterflies, either in the field or through collecting examples.

Having said that, it does have some larva and pupa information and pictures which is nice and the quality of the photos is reasonable, but I'd be surprised if the publishers decided to reprint this one. 5/10
Size mm/in
220x116x19
Weight g/oz
        ?
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
No
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Hard
254
Yes
Yes
4/10
8/10
No
No
No
Yes
No
5/10
6. A Field Companion to the Butterflies of Australia and New Zealand
     D'Abrera

Well D'Abrera's book is a curious thing. It sets out to challenge the reader to note down sightings with date, time, grid reference, location and notes "and thereby make a practical contribution to the advance of entomology". As such there are spaces under each butterfly to add these details and so this book is both field guide and field notebook.

D'Abrera is a bit of a legend in the world of lepidoptera but I can't help thinking his time has passed. Whilst the information in this book is undoubtedly accurate it is presented in a very personal way(eg "I once spent a fascinating afternoon sitting by a pool.") which takes up space and frankly bores. Well that's my opinion anyway.

The good point about this book is the consistently full size images of each butterfly. The bad points are, apart from the style, the lack of larvae and pupae descriptions, no glossary, no indexes. and poor introduction.

Not recommended as a field guide but probably enjoyable enough for children.
7/10
Size mm/in
190x130x15 / 7.5x 5x0.6
Weight g/oz
              310/11 approx
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
Yes, as of '83
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Paper
175
No
No
7/10
10/10
Yes
No
No
No
No
7/10
Size mm
262x183x8
Weight g
370
Photos/Illustrations
Photos
Complete coverage?
No
Paper/Hardback
Number of pages?
Scientific index?
English index?
Quality of introduction info?
Quality of photos/illustrations
Large scale map?
Distribution maps?
Maps next to descriptions?
Glossary?
Checklist?
My Rating?
Paper
117
Yes
Yes
8/10
5/10
No
No
No
No
No
5/10
Well, if you want to get to know the insects of Australia a little better then my money would have to be with Zborowski, and if it's butterflies that you want to identify then Braby's book is the clear winner. Hopefully the factual information in the charts will help you pick out just what it is that you're looking for.
210x141x9
285
Photos
No
Paper
128
Yes
Yes
9/10
8/10
No
No
No
Yes
No
7/10
230x145x13
400
Photos
No
Paper
208
Yes
Yes
7/10
10/10
No
No
No
Yes
No
9/10
190x130x15
310
Photos
Yes, as of '83
Paper
175
No
No
7/10
10/10
Yes
No
No
No
No
7/10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
                      ?
Photos
Yes
Paper
337
Yes
Yes
9/10
10/10
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
9/10
220x116x19 / 8.6x4.5x0.7
                       ?
Photos
No
Hard
254
Yes
Yes
4/10
8/10
No
No
No
Yes
No
5/10
Comparison Chart
210x147x19 / 8.35.8x0.7
Please click on either the US or UK link if you would like to purchase this book from Amazon.
Comparison guide at bottom of page.
Please click on either the US or UK link if you would like to purchase this book from Amazon.
Comparison guide at bottom of page.
Please click on either the US or UK link if you would like to purchase this book from Amazon.
Comparison guide at bottom of page.
Please click on either the US or UK link if you would like to purchase this book from Amazon.
Comparison guide at bottom of page.
Please click on either the UK link if you would like to purchase this book from Amazon.
Comparison guide at bottom of page.
Please click on either the US or UK link if you would like to purchase this book from Amazon.
Comparison guide at bottom of page.
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