“Not since that lepidopteran legend F.W. Frohawk studied and etched them nearly one hundred years ago have all the stages in the life cycles of all of Britain and Ireland’s butterflies been illustrated in one volume. No mean feat!”

– From the foreword by Chris Packham CBE, Naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author

“This superb publication is an invaluable addition to the pantheon of books on British and Irish butterflies. Peter Eeles follows in some illustrious footsteps by describing the life cycles of every British and Irish butterfly, but he is the first in history to take immaculate photos of each stage, and every larval instar, to give us a unique insight into the development of every species. The book is a must for anyone who wants to really get to know British and Irish butterflies and understand their ecology and conservation”.

– Dr Martin Warren OBE, Head of Development with Butterfly Conservation Europe and former Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation

“George Carlin said, ‘The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity’. This fascinating book will put this injustice fully to right, as the early life cycle stages of each of our species (and their detailed habitat preferences) are given at least as much weighting as the widely celebrated adults. This work will provide a uniquely thorough examination and photographic record of their eggs, developing caterpillars and chrysalises, and a journey into a seldom seen miniature world of surprising complexity and beauty. It will appeal to all naturalists with an enquiring mind, who wish to develop and extend their understanding and love of butterflies. It will also provide a vital resource for those involved in their conservation, because the caterpillar will always do all the work.”

– Neil Hulme BEM, Conservation Adviser to Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch and co-author of The Butterflies of Sussex

“I’ve been using the UK Butterflies website for years and was delighted to hear Peter was producing a book collating this work. Anyone who has tried to distinguish between the larval instars of our grass feeding skippers knows how tricky this can be and, as a PhD student researching the Lulworth Skipper, I found this book invaluable in helping me to identify the differences between each instar. The descriptions were clear and well written, containing the key identifying features and, of course, the photos were the detailed, high quality images we’ve come to know from Peter.  This book fills a gap and will be a crucial text for anyone interested in butterflies, either to help with identification (especially of the early stages) or simply to learn more about the history, ecology and behaviours of our butterfly species”.

– Rachel Jones, PhD Researcher (University of Exeter) and Senior Ecologist for Butterfly Conservation

“I first discovered the UK Butterflies website around 2005 and immediately became hooked as it provided me with information which directly helped my work. To be able to find out when different species were emerging on a regional basis, whether they were having a good or bad year and, thanks to the forum, the main issues being discussed by the ‘butterfly community’ have been incredibly useful. Whilst others may have been content to rest on their laurels, Pete has continued to push forward. When he first mentioned to me the idea of ‘The Frohawk Project’, I could instantly see the potential benefits as most breakthrough discoveries, enabling evidence-based conservation of butterflies, have been made as a result of detailed research on their immature stages. I am confident that it will be the ‘go to’ book for all who enjoy and attempt to conserve British butterflies for decades to come”.

– David Simcox,  Large Blue Project Manager