​Pennington’s Butterflies of Southern Africa is a seminal work in the field of lepidopterology, offering an extensive and detailed account of butterfly species found throughout Southern Africa. Originally authored by Ken Pennington, the book was posthumously edited and expanded by C.G.C. Dickson and D.M. Kroon, with its first edition published in 1978 by Ad. Donker. A revised and enlarged second edition was released in 1994 by Struik Winchester, extending the content to 800 pages. ​

Key Features

• Comprehensive Species Coverage: The book provides detailed information on all known butterfly species in the Southern African region, including their descriptions, distributions, habitats, behaviors, and larval food plants. ​

• Illustrations and Visual Aids: It features numerous color plates and black-and-white illustrations that aid in the identification and appreciation of the diverse butterfly fauna. ​

• Historical Context: The second edition includes facsimile reproductions of 20 radio talks given by Ken Pennington in 1965, providing historical insights into butterfly study and conservation efforts during that period. ​

• Physical Format: The book is presented as a hardcover volume, often accompanied by a slipcase, and includes a folding map to assist readers in locating various species across the region. ​

This authoritative reference is considered the gold standard for butterfly identification and study in Southern Africa, making it an invaluable resource for entomologists, naturalists, and conservationists alike.​

As the book is out of print, it is considered a collectible item and may be found through second-hand booksellers or online marketplaces.​