In addition, numerous drawings, maps, and tables present information such as the parts of a butterfly, wing features, and the topography of West Virginia. Chapter 1 briefly describes the land, water, climate, and flora of West Virginia, as well as the implications of its physiography and geographic position within the United States. Another chapter provides a scientific definition and discussion of the butterfly structure and life cycle. Storage and display techniques such as mounting are also outlined. Another introductory section explains how to create and maintain a butterfly garden, listing butterflies commonly found in West Virginia gardens and plants suitable for such projects.
Appendices list the common and scientific names of butterflies and plants.
Finally, a useful glossary and list of additional readings are provided. Despite its valuable supplementary information, the bulk of this book consists of species accounts arranged by family, subfamily, and genus. One hundred and twenty-eight butterfly species resident to West Virginia at some time during the year, along with their caterpillars and pupae, are clearly outlined in one to two pages each. The accounts furnish a state map and an explanation of the species' distribution. In addition, nectar sources, larval host plants, habitat preferences, and flight dates are discussed.