Butterflies of Southern New England – Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island: A Guide to Common and Notable Species

Jeff Fengler

Jeff Fengler’s “Butterflies of Southern New England – Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island” is a welcome, if somewhat narrowly focused, addition to the regional lepidoptera literature. It provides a serviceable guide to the common and notable butterfly species found within the tri-state area, catering primarily to the novice to intermediate enthusiast.

Fengler’s strength lies in his clear and concise writing style, making the book accessible to a broad audience. He avoids overly technical jargon, opting for straightforward descriptions and readily understandable terminology. This approach is particularly beneficial for those new to butterfly identification, allowing them to quickly grasp key distinguishing features.

The species accounts are generally informative, providing essential details on habitat preferences, flight periods, and larval host plants. The inclusion of high-quality photographs is a significant asset, enabling visual confirmation of species identification. The images are well-composed and clearly illustrate the butterflies’ distinctive characteristics.

However, the book’s focus on “common and notable species” inevitably results in omissions. Several less conspicuous, but ecologically significant, species are excluded. While this selectivity may be justified for a beginner’s guide, it limits the book’s value as a comprehensive reference for more advanced lepidopterists.

Furthermore, the depth of information provided varies somewhat between species. While some accounts are detailed and insightful, others are rather cursory, lacking in-depth information on life cycles or behavioral patterns. This inconsistency diminishes the book’s value as a consistent and reliable resource.

The book’s organization is logical, adhering to standard taxonomic classifications. However, the absence of a comprehensive index can make it challenging to locate specific species quickly, particularly in the field. This is a significant drawback for a field guide, where rapid access to information is often crucial.

The book’s treatment of ecological relationships is also somewhat limited. While Fengler acknowledges the importance of habitat conservation and the role of butterflies as pollinators, he fails to delve into the intricate interactions between butterflies and their environment. The book would have benefited greatly from a more thorough exploration of the ecological roles of butterflies, as well as the impact of human activities on their populations.

The book’s regional scope, while its primary focus, also limits it. The lack of broader comparative analyses, contrasting the butterfly fauna of Southern New England with that of other regions, limits the reader’s ability to draw universal conclusions about butterfly ecology and distribution.

In conclusion, “Butterflies of Southern New England” is a serviceable guide for identifying common and notable species within the tri-state area. Its clear writing style and high-quality photographs make it a useful tool for novice enthusiasts. However, its limited scope, uneven species accounts, and superficial treatment of ecological relationships prevent it from achieving its full potential. While it may serve as a helpful introduction to the region’s butterfly fauna, more comprehensive resources are needed for in-depth study.