DIY Homeschooler

The Moth Book by W. J. Holland is a companion book to The Butterfly Book. The book covers the anatomy and classification of North American moths. It is a free eBook in the public domain.

Exceptionally illustrated (including 48 color plates), The Moth Book is a perfect guide for an older student studying insects.

WHEN a few years ago I published “The Butterfly Book,” I stated in the preface to that volume that I would follow it by the preparation of a similar work upon the moths of the United States and Canada, provided the reception given that venture should seem to justify me in so doing. “The Butterfly Book” was very favorably received, and not only I, but my publishers, have been besieged with letters from all parts of the continent, urging the fulfillment of the provisional promise….

As such this volume follows a pattern similar to that in The Butterfly Book.

First the author explains how to distinguish between moths and butterflies. He then moves on to eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and anatomy.

The second section covers collecting, mounting, and preserving moths.

And finally follow chapters on classification of moths and books about them.

As in his earlier work, the largest portion of the book is given to “The Moths of North America and Mexico.” This section lists the moths by family. Information included:

• Family.
• Subfamily.
• Genus.
• Neuration (the layout of the wings including veins).
• Egg.
• Caterpillar.
• Chrysalis.
• Identifying characteristics.
• Range.

A handy index can be found in the back.

This is a great choice for an older student with an interest in moths and butterflies. The information and illustrations make it easy to construct a personal notebook/guidebook.

Free and full of beautiful illustrations suited to a notebook!

Free eBook

• Read online
• PDF
• EPUB (convert to Kindle)

---

Additional Resources

Free Nature Studies: Butterflies & Moths
You’ll find even more great resources in this part of our free nature studies.