Thomas J. Allen is a wildlife biologist with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. He is the coauthor of White-tailed Deer in West Virginia and The Tiger Beetles of West Virginia; in his spare time, he raises butterflies, including many photographed for this book, and works as a wildlife artist.
The Butterflies of West Virginia and Their Caterpillars describes 128 species of butterflies found in the state, along with their caterpillars and pupae. Each species account provides a description and information on distribution, habitat, life history, nectar sources, and larval host plants. Butterflies, their caterpillars and pupae are featured in hundreds of color illustrations, as well as detailed drawings and maps. Written for scientists and general enthusiasts alike, the book also includes chapters on studying butterflies and butterfly gardening.