ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

During the course of writing this book, my daughter, Maria Hallie Apt Russell, was a wonderful research assistant and companion to such places as England and Costa Rica. My husband, Peter Russell, was there from the beginning to the end, envisioning, re-envisioning, and catching butterflies. My editor at Perseus Books, Amanda Cook, is always supportive, insightful, and on target.

Any mistakes in the following chapters are my own. At the same time, I must thank the many scientists whose research I used and who did me the favor of reading over the text.

Bert Orr from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, was a tremendous help. A good writer and editor, as well as an expert in his field, Bert has the gift of offering critical suggestions in the context of generous enthusiasm. Some of his work with butterflies is highlighted in the chapter “Love Stories.” His comments and observations strengthened many other parts of this book.

Philip DeVries also offered suggestions and comments in the middle of a very busy life. At the Natural History Museum in London, Richard Vane-Wright, Phillip Ackery, Jeremy Holloway, and David Carter all took time to meet with me and later to read sections of the manuscript. I first used Martha Weiss’s work in my book Anatomy of a Rose and was happy to return to her research. Dan Papaj at the University of Arizona offered valuable ideas and commentary, as did Larry Gilbert at the University of Texas at Austin.

Rudi Mattoni gallantly sat with me in the lounge of the Marriot Courtyard Hotel in Marina del Rey and told stories. I would also like to thank Arthur Bonner for his help.

Bill Toone of the San Diego Zoo had some important ideas about the business of butterflies. Daryl Loth shared some nice moments by the Rio Tortuguero. I am grateful for the hospitality of Paul Grant at the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge field biology station and the good work of the Canadian Organization for Tropical Rainforest Education and Conservation (COTREC). Joris Brinckerhoff of CRES and The Butterfly Farm in San José, Costa Rica, also gave me his time and comments.

Two organizations I have to applaud are The North American Butterfly Association and The Xerces Society. More information can be found at their Web sites.

Finally, I would like to thank Western New Mexico University and the WNMU Research Committee for their ongoing support. In particular, I have to praise again the staff of the Interlibrary Loan Department, without whom nothing could be written.