Audubon VideoGuide to Butterflies: Common & Endangered

Mastervision's Audubon VideoGuide to Butterflies: Common & Endangered is—if you'll pardon the mixed metaphor—pure catnip for lepidopterists, combining two programs that together feature beautiful close-up footage of nearly 100 butterfly species (several captured emerging from the chrysalis). Narrated by Michael Godfrey, “Common North American Butterflies” (with a lovely classical guitar soundtrack by Mike Long) looks at over 70 common species, beginning with a quick overview of butterfly families (swallowtails, blues, hairstreaks, skippers, etc.) and generally prevalent species, followed by regional examples ranging from the Southern Dogface to the Mormon Metalmark, in segments combining informative narration, gorgeous footage, and area maps. Adopting a similar approach, “Endangered North American Butterflies”—narrated by Clayelle Dalferes (with an excellent viola/violin soundtrack by Nokuthula Ngwenyama)—focuses on 21 rare endangered species (including the San Bruno Elfin and Miami Blue), with additional attention paid to ongoing conservation efforts. Several shorter segments are interspersed throughout: on the lifecycle and amazing migration story of the Monarch, best places to see butterflies (parks, greenbelts, orchards, open fields), imported butterflies (including the ubiquitous Cabbage White, which came from Europe over 150 years ago), and extinct species (including the Xerces Blue, which has become the poster butterfly). A sure bet for nature enthusiasts that will help them to identify the many fascinating species of butterflies across North America, this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)