Given that they are found in a huge range of habitats, from the porch light to the forests, pastures and high country, it is easy to stumble across our moths and butterflies. There are 1720 named species, mostly moths, but many have not yet been named. This book, written and photographed by experts in their fields, introduces important and striking species of both main islands, describing their appearance, behaviour and life cycle. It explains which species are endemic and which have probably ‘blown over’ at some point from Australia and other neighbours, and gives useful tips on how readers can find, identify and study these beautiful invertebrates for themselves.

ISBN 9781869663995, New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd, December 2014

These are fundraising items for the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust. Funds raised go towards research and education projects for the preservation of NZ's butterflies and moths.

Proceeds to the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust to protect NZ's butterflies, moths and habitat. Incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 as a registered charitable trust, No. 1679763, with donee status, registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, CC11297, the Trust is raising awareness of NZ's butterflies and moths so they can be protected and encouraged before they become endangered; when bringing them back to our landscape would be so much more difficult. Anecdotal evidence tells us numbers are declining.

Visit http://www.monarch.org.nz for more information, or to become a citizen scientist and take part in our research projects.