Insect predators such as birds see a greater range of colours than we do and focus on details rather than whole objects. Engraved on the wings of many butterflies and moths, among the rainbow colours and the opalescence, are images that closely resemble millipedes, salamanders, frogs, snakes, falcons, spiders, hornets, bats, large canine teeth, claws, caterpillars, wolves, and owls.

Philip Howse explains how these colours and designs have evolved and how the insects are protected by such camouflage, mimicry and deception. Separate chapters are devoted to commonly seen groups of butterflies, such as whites, admirals, emperors, monarchs, swallowtails, blues and morphos, peacocks and passion vine butterflies as well as hawkmoths and giant silkmoths.