Butterflies of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians illuminates a world hotspot of biodiversity at a crossroads of northern and southern habitats. Butterflies are a stunning example of this multiplicity, with 124 species appearing regularly. In this first-of-its-kind guide, Susan P. Olcott and Casey B. Rucker introduce readers to the natural history, statewide occurrence, and conservation concerns of this dazzling array of butterflies. In 2012, West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources began a large-scale, statewide butterfly atlas project. Constructed from survey results and historical archives, this book is accessible enough for those just beginning to explore butterflies and detailed enough to provide a valuable reference for professionals. Geographical maps in the species accounts show recent and historical butterfly occurrence, while flight-period graphs show the timing of their appearances as adults.

One hundred seventy-five color photos allow readers to witness the colorful wings and habitats of central Appalachian butterflies. A definitive resource for understanding these important pollinators, Butterflies of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians will inform conservation efforts for decades to come.