COUTSIS & TSHIKOLOVETS - HOLARCTIC BUTTERFLIES OF THE SUBTRIBE POLYOMMATINA

This book combines the value of a scientific document with that of an artistic drawing. But the drawings are scientifically accurate, allowing one to see the most important things, down to the smallest details in the structure of the genitalia of both males and females of the subtribe Polyommatina. The first author, John Coutsis, one of our oldest lepidopterologists (born 1933), has spent many decades preparing the drawings and analyzing the structure of the genitalia. He is one of the few specialists who can “read” the genitalia of butterflies and skippers. In his clear and concise comments, he passes on his knowledge to all readers, and the details noted in the text will allow any reader to understand the real differences between species. John Coutsis is the author of many important articles on the taxonomy of butterflies and skippers, and he is the co-author of the famous book “The genus Melitaea Fabricius, 1807”. He is the author of many new taxa. Thanks to the tireless work of John Coutsis, our knowledge of nature and butterflies in particular is constantly expanding and in some cases changing. The role of the second author in this book is much more modest: it consisted mainly of technical support, such as preparing colour plates, working on the design of the book, and also discussing some issues of nomenclature and systematics of the subtribe Polyommatina.

This book is a unique work of many years and is now available to everyone, although the print run is very limited. Undoubtedly, the information published in this book will be useful to everyone who studies or is interested not only in Lycaenidae, but in butterflies in general.