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Book Review
A Guide to Butterflies of Western Ghats
(India)- Milind Bhakare & Hemant Ogale
In this ambitious work, Dr. Milind Bhakare and He-
mant Ogale went out to pack in as much infor-
mation as one would seek with respect to a butter-
fly species with great care and details. About 346
species have been elaborated that are home to the
Western Ghats and some of them are nearby with
each species getting a decorative page.
Each page contains details about pictures of open
wing and closed wing, DSF and WSF, Male and Fe-
male, etc, whichever is appropriate to the species.
The common names that are in vogue as well as
new common names are both presented. For some
species, it is better to be dealt with scientific names
alone, which is the case here. A detailed description
of each species on habitat and early stages are pro-
vided. Most species pages have life cycle (pictures)
details too which is a welcome addition and our
appreciation to all those who have contributed
readily to the social cause (if we view that way).
Information on sub-species is also dealt with.
Field Identification Keys section is going to be useful
for many especially when similar looking species
provide difficulties in identification. Bushbrowns
and Potanthus species are made to look easier now
with respect to identification, of course with certain
riders. The session on eggs, larvae and pupae is
actually unbelievable and shows how much effort
have been put in forth by the butterfly community
of our land.
The state wise distribution is represented in an easy
manner and I am sure there may be one or two
species subject to discussion on their presence/
absence from a state, which I think is unavoidable.
The book is voluminous and hence may be a diffi-
cult one to carry to the field, but is going to be a
reference book on everyone’s home, I am sure. The
book is also not meant to be a field guide, so the
question ends there. The butterfly community
should welcome this book and I am sure there are
more similar books on the anvil, which is exciting to
hear.
An important addition to my collection of books
(and should be in everyone’s collection too) and
hearty congratulations to the passionate butterfly
chasers- Dr. Milind Bhakare and Hemant Ogale, on
behalf of TNBS and all our members here in bring-
ing out such an excellent book. The authors should
be relieved now and happy. My only disappoint-
ment is that I did not get authors signed copy!
For copies: Please contact the authors
PATTAMPOOCHI
A TNBS MAGAZINE
WINGS 2 VEINS 4
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