The Wild Silk Moths of North America

The Saturniidae are among the largest and showiest moths in North America. This comprehensive work covers the life history and taxonomy of a hundred species and subspecies of these Lepidoptera. The beautiful adults and larvae of all species are illustrated in thirty color plates, which are supported by line drawings of cocoons, distribution maps, and photographs of behavior. More than a natural history guide, this book includes chapters in population biology, life history strategies, disease and parasitoids, and the importance of silk moths of human culture. The systematic account emphasizes genetic differences among populations and the process of speciation and presents new information on experimental hybridization and life histories. For the student, researcher, and naturalist, here is practical information on collecting, rearing, and conducting original research. The entire text is referenced to an extensive bibliography. Paul M. Tuskes recieved his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, in entomology and is the author of more than twenty scientific papers on moths. James P. Tuttle, a detective-lieutenant with the Michigan State Police has extensively collected, reared, and photographed saturniid moths, and served as an officer in the Lepidopterist's Society. Michael M. Collins, a research associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, earned his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of California, Davis. His research interests include speciation and natural hybridization.