The Macro-lepidoptera of Northumberland and Durham

Moths and butterflies are fascinating creatures. They have complicated life-cycles; each of the stages egg, larva, pupa and adult is adapted to live under a particular set of environmental conditions and lead to the survival of the greatest number of the next stage. Because of their colour and movement we tend to be attracted to the adults, but often the factor that limits the occurrence or abundance of the species is acting on one of the earlier stages of the life cycle.

Willingly or unwillingly we provide in our gardens, homes and food for many of them; the adults on our flowers, the eggs and larvae on or in our fruit and vegetables. They are found from the high tops of our hills down to the coast; many make long migrations and when I spent time on research ships on the North Sea I would sometimes see them, many miles from land, resting on the mast or deckhouse before flying on, or being drawn to the ship's lights at night.

Whether they fly by day or night the adults rely on a very good sense of smell to help them find food and mates. They appear to be able to react to single molecules of some scents! The retractile proboscis by which they feed is one of the most intricately constructed organs to be found in the entire animal kingdom

In Northumberland and Durham the landscape has changed dramatically over the centuries and is still changing. The populations of our moths and butterflies have changed as a result. Apart from these long-term changes an abnormal season, especially if it brings warmth and strong southerly winds, will carry stray species to us, such as the Swallowtail, and a sighting can be a memorable experience.

We have awaited this book with keen anticipation.

The authors have earned our thanks and congratulations for their monumental work.

The Northern Naturalists Union takes great pride in its publication.

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