「Why are butterfly wings beautiful? In pursuit of that mysteryBook review

DOJIN Selection 096, Authored by Michio Imafuku, Kagaku-Dojin, Published April 27, 2023, List Price 1,700 JPY (excluding tax)

A small yet beautiful, metallic-glowing hairstreak butterfly widely known by the nickname Zephyrus. There are likely not a few natural history scientists who, captivated by this stunning appearance in their junior high or high school days, swung insect nets attached to long poles more than twice their height toward the treetops. Moreover, many people have become interested in environmental conservation with this butterfly as their gateway. Using the beauty of the butterfly's wings as a starting point, this book very clearly illustrates research related to animal ecology and animal behavior. In addition to specialized research results, it shows the hardships and joys of long-term research—from the underlying scientific questions to the process of trial and error in creating experimental equipment to test hypotheses. If bug-loving middle and high school students stretch themselves a bit to pick up this book, it will surely stir their interest in natural history science. The content inspires the hope that the next generation of researchers will be born from such youth. Furthermore, it is structured in a way that allows former bug lovers to deepen their scientific interests while reminiscing about the past.

Kazuaki Tanaka (Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University)

Why are butterfly wings beautiful? Chasing that mystery Book review (PDF file)