Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003
For more information: Eileen Dowd Stukel, 773-4229

NEW SOUTH DAKOTA BUTTERFLY FIELD GUIDE RELEASED

PIERRE -- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is pleased to announce that a long-awaited state butterfly field guide is now available.

The "Field Guide to South Dakota Butterflies" is the first comprehensive book about the state’s 177 known butterfly species. The guide has nearly 800 color photos, which include mounted butterflies, butterfly habitats, caterpillars and butterflies in natural settings. This color, softcover book has 478 pages and sells for $39.95, plus $5 for shipping and handling.

The field guide is a product of the dedication and commitment of the book’s author, Gary Marrone, a retired Game, Fish and Parks employee and one of South Dakota’s most knowledgeable butterfly experts. The guide not only makes use of Gary’s meticulous records from nearly three decades of butterfly study, but it also displays the majority of Gary’s photographs from his extensive butterfly collection. Each of the 177 species accounts includes identification tips and information on habits, habitats, plants used by caterpillars and adults, flight periods and state distribution, which is also illustrated with an individual state range map.

All species are illustrated with several color photos, with most butterfly photographs printed life-sized. This feature makes this butterfly guide unique and extremely useful in helping people identify these interesting and beautiful creatures. Many photos also include photos of butterflies in natural settings. The field guide also features information on native habitats in South Dakota, a butterfly checklist and calendar and a hypothetical list to challenge new lepidopterists.

To purchase this book online with MasterCard, VISA or Discover, visit www.sdgfp.info, then choose "Shopping." Orders may also be sent to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Information Office, 412 W. Missouri, Pierre, S.D., 57501. Please enclose a check for $44.95 payable to SD Game, Fish and Parks. The book is also available over-the-counter at the Sertoma Butterfly House in Sioux Falls.

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