Goodreads Blurb
Butterflies are one of the world’s most beloved insects. From butterfly gardens to zoo exhibitions, they are one of the few insects we’ve encouraged to infiltrate our lives. Yet, what has drawn us to these creatures in the first place? And what are their lives really like? In this groundbreaking book, New York Times bestselling author and science journalist Wendy Williams reveals the inner lives of these “flying flowers”—creatures far more intelligent and tougher than we give them credit for.

Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada to Mexico. Other species have learned how to fool ants into taking care of them. Butterflies’ scales are inspiring researchers to create new life-saving medical technology. Williams takes readers to butterfly habitats across the globe and introduces us to not only various species, but to the scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying them.

Coupled with years of research and knowledge gained from experts in the field, this accessible “butterfly biography” explores the ancient partnership between these special creatures and humans, and why they continue to fascinate us today. Touching, eye-opening, and incredibly profound, The Language of Butterflies reveals the critical role they play in our world.

My Review: Rated 3 out 5 stars

The most fascinating and colorful insects, the butterflies, are amazing creatures that help drive our ecosystem. The Language of Butterflies explores how butterflies fight to survive and coexist in a rapidly changing environment. These resilient creatures are intelligent from the moment they emerge as a caterpillar. This book shared impressive information regarding Lepidoptera, which are insects with wings, and those obsessed with butterflies the Lepidopterists. Wendy mentions a poor stone carver Herman Strecker, who had the most amazing collection of 50,000 specimens for someone who didn’t have a physical home. When you are fascinated by something, you do all you can to preserve it. I enjoyed learning about the people who help preserve the many species of butterflies that are extinct so we can learn more about them. Maria Sibylla Merian is renowned for her hand-painted images of butterflies in their natural environment.

It was fascinating to discover that butterflies evolve to adapt to an environment that has changed significantly. This book examines various observations made by scientists regarding how the environment, weather, sunlight, and plants affect the way butterflies react to these changes. Monarchs, being one of the most long-distance travelers, are very picky with the plants they eat and which they lay their eggs. Milkweed is their preference for survival. Milkweed is not only their survival but can also be their demise. Monarch caterpillars are so smart that even ants are fooled into taking them into their lair. I had never heard of the Florissant National Monument and the fossils buried for millions of years. I was shocked to learn that a place that looks like a desert today, had once housed lakes, trees, flowers, insects, and animals. This place is fascinating to visit, and I am glad it was preserved along with its hidden secrets. I learned many wonderful things about the beautiful butterflies I see fluttery about and have always had an appreciation for these colorful, adaptive creatures.

The book was slow to start, but it provided a clear context about the life of butterflies and those who research them.

Author Biography

Wendy Williams is a journalist whose work has appeared in The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Christian Science Monitor, among many other publications. She is the author of several books, including Kraken and Cape Wind, and is a lifelong equestrienne. She lives in Mashpee, Massachusetts.

Below are pictures I took of butterflies 🦋.