The weird and wonderful world of insects boasts some of the strangest creatures found in nature, and caterpillars are perhaps the most bizarre of all. While most of us picture caterpillars as cute fuzzballs munching on leaves, there is much more to them than we imagine. A caterpillar's life and survival hinges on finding enough food and defending itself from the array of natural enemies lined up around it, ready to pounce and consume. And the astounding adaptations and strategies developed to maximize their chances of becoming a butterfly or moth are only just beginning to be understood, from the Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar that resembles a small snake to the Eastern Carpenter Bee Hawkmoth caterpillar that attempts to dissuade potential predators by looking like a diseased leaf. The Book of Caterpillars unveils the mysteries of six hundred species from around the world, introducing readers to the complexities and beauty of these underappreciated insects. With the advent of high quality digital macro-photography, the world of caterpillars is finally opening up. With The Book of Caterpillars , the editors have collected a wealth of incredible caterpillar imagery that showcases the astonishing diversity of caterpillar design, structure, coloration, and patterning. Every entry also features a two-tone engraving of the adult specimen, emphasizing the wing patterns and tones, as well as a population distribution map and table of essential information that includes their habitat, typical host plants and their conservation status.

Throughout the book are fascinating facts that will enthrall both expert entomologists and curious collectors alike. A visually rich and scientifically accurate guide to six hundred of the world's most peculiar caterpillars--including the infamous "Trump" species--this volume presents readers with a rare, detailed look at these intriguing forms of insect life.