An Introduction to Costa Rican Butterflies - Mark Goode

Costa Rica, Mariposas, 1999, 97 pp. in full color, 14 x 22 cm, soft cover, ISBN 9977-12-365-9, good condition

This book was created in order to provide a simple reference which will enable individuals to develop an appreciation for the diverse variety of butterflies to be found in Costa Rica. Its content and scope is intended to cater to those whose interest in butterflies is just beginning. What is presented is a basic, but informative overview relating to the ecology and habits of some of Costa Rica’s most familiar and interesting butterflies.

It is the author’s sincere hope that this book will provide the reader with the stimulation necessary to develop a deeper and lasting personal interest in these beautiful and precious creatures, and also of the rapidly diminishing habitats in which they live. The existing jeopardy in which human activities place the natural world should be of concern to everyone.

In particular, the beleaguered rainforests that exist in Costa Rica and elsewhere, and the astonishing variety of life that resides within them, must be urgently preserved. This gesture would not only be of benefit to future generations, but would serve as well to bestow a basic measure of dignity to all of the life that shares this planet with humanity. Countries such as Costa Rica would be much the poorer for the lack of the beautiful blue Morpho butterflies which sail gracefully through its lush and mysterious forests. Sights such as these are surely worth protecting simply for their own sake.