Following Barry Goater's previous summaries of 1974 and 1992, this impressive work is a turn-of-century updating of our knowledge about Hampshire moths. It is therefore of the utmost importance in planning for biodiversity.
The Authors received records from over 150 contributors and acknowledge assistance from a galaxy of experts, national and international, several of whom work in Hampshire. Their book is a landmark publication, including as it does updates on all species in addition to over 800 maps of the distribution of the larger kinds. An introduction to the Atlas is followed by sections on Changes in the Distribution of Species, Moths and their Habitats, Moth Conservation.
Next, there follows 16 pages of superb coloured plates containing 95 photographs depicting a broad range of species and habitats. There are also useful explanations of the dates included in the recording, definitions of rarity categories and summaries of vice-county species totals, for example:
Isle of Wight: 1421
South Hampshire: 1739
North Hampshire: 1531
The main body of the book, the Systematic List, follows John Bradley's 1998 check-list. For each species a general comment is followed, where relevant, by detailed records attributed to the observers, a list of whom is printed as an appendix.
The other appendices are a Gazetteer of localities, a list of photographs and photographers, references list by author. Scientific and vernacular names are separately indexed.
This book is the result of tremendous teamwork and an inspiration to read. The continuing health of our Hampshire moth fauna will surely be seen to have owed these authors an enormous debt.
Surely a 'must' for those who wish to compare our Suffolk moths with the distribution to be found in Hampshire. SNS member and lepidopterist Alasdair Aston is a major contributor. (Ed).
Don't forget you can download the whole of each White Admiral as a .zip file.
(Typically under 700 kb) ~ See the top menu.