Rachel Warren Chadd – författare

A richly illustrated look at the natural history of mothsMoths are among the most underappreciated insects on the planet, yet they make up the majority of some 180,000 known species of Lepidoptera. Filled with striking images, The Lives of Moths looks at the remarkable world of these amazing and beautiful creatures.While butterflies may get more press than moths, Andrei Sourakov and Rachel Warren Chadd reveal that the lopsided attention is unjust. Moths evolved long before butterflies, and their importance cannot be overestimated. From the tiniest leaf miners to exotic hawk moths that are two hundred to three hundred times larger, these creatures are often crucial pollinators of flowers, including many that bloom at night or in twilight. The authors show that moths and their larvae are the main food source for thousands of animal species, and interact with other insect, plant, and vertebrate communities in ecosystems around the world, from tropical forests and alpine meadows to deserts and wetlands. The authors also explore such topics as evolution, life cycles, methods of communication, and links to humans.A feast of remarkable facts and details, The Lives of Moths will appeal to insect lovers everywhere.

The stories, myths and legends associated with more than 80 kinds of birds from around the world.Why are owls regarded either as wise or as harbingers of doom? What gave rise to the fanciful belief that storks bring babies? Why is the eagle associated with victory or the hummingbird with paradise? The answers are here in this engaging book. By re-telling the many legends, beliefs, proverbs and predictions associated with more than 80 birds from many nations, it brings into focus the close – and often ancient – links between humans and these remarkable feathered descendants of dinosaurs. Discover, for instance: - Why the cockerel features on many church spires - The one sacred bird that symbolises life and peace in most cultures- How to dispel bad luck if you see a certain black-and-white bird- The South American 'devil bird' once thought to be a dragonBirds: Myth, Lore and Legend draws on historical accounts and scientific literature to reveal how colourful tales or superstitions were shaped by human imagination based on each bird's behaviour or appearance. It offers a fresh and enchanting perspective on birds across the world.