In a new book, a father and daughter scientist duo explore the 100-million-year history of butterflies. From their inauspicious origin as odd, day-flying moths to their modern-day diversity and distribution, Andrei and Alexandra Sourakov provide salient butterfly facts in a short, easy-to-read format.

Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original illustrations by artist Tugce Okay, “The Little Book of Butterflies” is an accessible and enjoyable mini reference about the world’s butterflies, with examples drawn from across the globe.

It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics—from anatomy, diversity and reproduction to habitat and conservation. It also includes curious facts and a section on butterflies in myths, folklore and modern culture from around the world. The result is an irresistible guide to the amazing lives of butterflies.

“This is a book that should be carried with you, and the next time you observe butterflies living their lives, and wonder about some aspect of their behavior, the answer to your questions will be right at hand. You will very quickly, and effortlessly become a better naturalist – and that’s hard to beat.”—David M. Gascoigne, “Travels with Birds”

For more information, or to order “The Little Book of Butterflies,” visit Princeton University Press.

Andrei Sourakov is a collections coordinator at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity.