Eager to know about rare butterfly species found in the Himalayas? Or keen to build your own butterfly garden? Then, you should check out Butterflies Of India, a new book by naturalist Isaac Kehimkar, which will launch mid-July. Published by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the book will serve as an illustrated guide with photographs of more than 1,000 species and subspecies of butterflies found in the Indian subcontinent, including neighbouring regions of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.

“Today, it is heartening to see an explosion of butterfly watchers, who post photographs on social media. The book covers biological details of as many as 1,800 butterflies, with text suited for beginners. It also includes sections on butterfly watching, photography, and even guides the readers to create their own butterfly garden,” shares Kehimkar, who joined the BNHS as a volunteer way back in 1978, and is currently, the Deputy Director (Natural History). With special interest in reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants, his previous published works include Moths — An Introduction, Incredible insects, Common Indian Wild Flowers, Common Butterflies Of India and Book of Indian Butterflies.