Hawkmoths of Australia: Identification, Biology and Distribution, by Max Moulds, James Tuttle & David Lane (2020). 424 pages. Hardback, CSIRO Publishing.

An essential reference to all hawkmoth species found in Australia and on its offshore islands.

Hawkmoths are large charismatic insects with highly variable and colourful larvae. Some species are specialised in their habitat preferences, but others are widespread and often encountered in gardens. However, little is known about most species, and associating the adults with their larvae has previously been difficult or impossible.

Hawkmoths of Australia allows identification of all of the Australian hawkmoths for the first time and treats species found on mainland Australia, Tasmania and all offshore islands within Australian limits. It presents previously undescribed life histories of nearly all species and provides a comprehensive account of hawkmoth biology, including new parasitoids and their hawkmoth hosts.

Detailed drawings and photographs show the external and internal morphology of adults and immatures, and eggs, larval instars and pupa. Keys are provided for last instar larvae and pupae of the 71 species that the authors have reared. The book is concluded by a glossary, appendices to parasitoids and larval foodplants, an extensive reference list with bibliographical notes and a comprehensive index.

The wealth of new information in this book makes it an essential reference for anyone interested in these moths.

Hawkmoths of Australia is Volume 13 of the Monographs on Australian Lepidoptera Series.

• The first full treatment of the Australian hawkmoths, covering their identification, distributions and biology.
• Comprehensive life history accounts for most species, including many previously unrecorded.
• Illustrated with more than 800 colour photographs and supplemented by detailed technical descriptions.
• Adults of all species illustrated in colour including variants never before figured.
• A detailed account of natural enemies, especially of parasitoids, most previously unrecorded.