Emley, DW and Warren, RG (2000) The Larger Moths of Staffordshire. Staffordshire Ecological Record Publication No. 16. ISBN 1-874414-20-3.
This has distribution data and maps for all the macros recorded up to 2000. It is available from Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Hanley and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Bridge. |
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Waring, P and Townsend, M. (2003). Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing. ISBN 0-9531399-1-3
The main identification guide to macro moths and the first to illustrate them in their natural resting positions.
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Skinner, B. (1984). Colour Identification guide to moths of the British Isles. Viking. ISBN 0-670-80354-5
Contains photographs of set specimens of all the macro moths. Beginners might find this difficult to use with live specimens but it was the "bible" until Waring came out.
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Heath, J. Ed. The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. 10vol. Harley Books.
The ultimate reference work but 3 volumes are yet to appear. So far, most of the micros are covered except the pyralids, plume moths and tortix moths. All species are illustrated as set specimens. |
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Goater, B. (1986). British Pyralid Moths. Harley Books. ISBN 0-946589-08-9
Illustrates all the pyralid moths as set specimens and as such is a companion to Skinner. All species are illustrated as set specimens. |
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Riley, M and Prior, P. (2003). British and Irish Pug Moths – a guide to their identification and biology. Harley Books. ISBN 0-946589-51-8
Of the macros, the pugs cause more headaches than most other species when it comes to identification. This volume illustrates them all as both set specimens and as live insects at rest. The species are grouped by common features and line drawings highlight differences in wing markings. |
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Porter, J. (1997). The colour identification guide to caterpillars of the British Isles. Viking. ISBN 0-670-87509-0
Illustrates for the first time the caterpillars of all the macros and the butterflies using photographs.
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The following are also important:
Agassiz, D. et al (1981); An Identification Guide to British Pugs. British Entomological and Natural History Society.
This is now superceded by Riley but still has useful information.
South, R. The Moths of the British Isles. 2 vol. Warne. ISBN 0-232-0001-7
For many years the "bible" for lepidopterists. It still has useful information though the standard of illustrations, particularly in later editions, is poor. All species are illustrated as set specimens.
Bradley, J.D., Tremewan, W.G. and Smith, A. 1973. British Tortricoid Moths. 2 vol. Ray Society. ISBN 0-903874-01-6
A magnificent work illustrating all the tortix species with superb plates. It is unfortunately very expensive and out of print. All species are illustrated as set specimens.
Bradley, J.D. 1998. Checklist of Lepidoptera recorded from the British Isles. ISBN 0-9532508-0-6
The source of the widely used species codes. It also contains complete synonyms - essential given the changes in nomenclature that have, and are still, taking place!
These books give useful background information
Dandy, J.E. (1969), Watsonian Vice-counties of Great Britain. Ray Society.
Dickson, R. (1976), A Lepidopterist's Handbook. Amateur Entomologist Society.
Majerus, M.E.N. 2002. Moths. New Naturalist No. 90. HarperCollins. ISBN-0-00 220142-9
Ford, E.B. 1955. Moths. New Naturalist No. 30. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-00-219471-6
Young, M. 1997. The Natural History of Moths. Poyser. ISBN 0-85661-103-4
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