Sacha wrote:
Which book would members of urg recommend which would not only
identify caterpillars, moths and butterflies but even more
importantly, recommend and identify their food sources?

For the non-specialist, the Collins Gem Guide is very good. My books
are in boxes, but I think it mentions the usual food plants for each
species: I strongly recommend having a look at it when you're in
town.

Good old Collins! Thank you, I'll look for that.

I use Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe -
Michael Chinery - in the paperback edition. I now realise it would have
been better to go for the original hard back, as the publishers have
reduced the size of the plates to fit the paperback format. This means
measuring insects and comparing them to written notes rather than
plonking the beastie on the page to see if it fits! The information
contained, is nevertheless, excellent.

--
Jo
Alicante