This guide addresses the challenge of identifying the diverse butterfly and moth populations found within the British Isles. Michael Chinery, a recognized authority on natural history, utilizes his extensive field experience to curate a selection of 240 representative species. The book provides a structured framework for amateur naturalists to distinguish between common specimens, emphasizing visual identification and habitat awareness.

The text serves as a compact, reliable reference tool for field identification, prioritizing accessibility for the casual observer. Its concise format and focused scope make it a standard entry-level resource for those beginning their study of British lepidoptera.