Field Guide to the Micro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland

There has been an enormous upsurge of interest in moths amongst British birders in recent years. However, many of the families of smaller (or micro-) moths have been somewhat off-limits to many, given the difficulty and expense of accessing suitable literature (a gap that has been partially filled by several excellent websites). This is a shame, as the micro-moths are a fascinating group of insects, and many species are strikingly attractive when examined carefully.

This pocket-sized field guide has been hotly anticipated therefore, and has been well worth the wait. It covers 1,033 of the 1,627 species of micro-moths; still not every species, it has to be remembered, but a large proportion of them and all the ones that the average naturalist will come across that do not require dissection to identify. The book contains superb painted plates, and a detailed and up-to-date and authoritative text. Given that many species are very closely linked to their foodplants, it is pleasing to see useful photos depicting the larval stages of many species. Indeed, an index of references to plant names would also have been useful (maybe something for a second edition?) Each of the treated species also has a distribution map, at vice-county level.

It is important to note that this is a book where the introduction should be read carefully, and naming species should always involve reading the text, not just skimming the plates. The authors stress that care is needed in identification of some micro-moth groups, and that some species simply cannot be named with certainly from a visual inspection; indeed, a short summary of dissection techniques is also included. However, if used with a modicum of care, this is an exceptionally useful book, both for the absolute beginner but also as a fantastic quick reference for the more experienced lepidopterist. Highly recommended!

Book reviewed by Andy Musgrove