Atlas ,Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

[Medard]

I have just received details of the
Atlas coordinated by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur it was sent to me as a participant by sonia.richaud@cen-paca.org
if any UKB members  would be interested details can be found here  https://www.naturographe-editions.fr/ 

[David M]

Thanks, Jim. I received this via EBG and I would recommend anyone who has an interest in Alpine butterflies to consider purchasing it.

[David M]

I finally received this book yesterday (15 Feb).

First impressions are that it is both comprehensive and excellent. Yes, it only covers a small area of France, but that area is the richest in the country and harbours many more species than the whole of the UK.

It's in French, so that won't appeal to more than a handful, but here are a few images to demonstrate just how well put together and informative this tome is:

Cover:

Mountain Clouded Yellow pages:

Piedmont Ringlet distribution in detail:

[Chris Jackson]

I've got a copy David, and the distribution maps seem pretty reliable. I think there has been some good filtering work done behind the data received. Its good to have pin-point sightings rather than a global red splodge on a minuscule map.
Chris

[petesmith]

Thanks for posting these David. I have a copy of the previous PACA atlas, and am very tempted to purchase this updated version. It looks good!

I just clicked on your "Piedmont Ringlet distribution in detail" image, and, having visited this region many times, something just didn't quite sit right with me...

Closer examination shows in the text that the map is actually of the "Moiré piémontais" - i.e. False Mnestra Ringlet (aethiopella) - rather than Piedmont (meolans).

Clearly I have too much time on my hands, being back in retirement mode!

I blame the French...although I do love 'em!

[David M]

Well spotted, Pete (he says, as if he knew all along!)



That'll teach me to take more care in future! At least I now know that Piedmont Ringlet, as far as the French are concerned, is actually the False Mnestra Ringlet, a bit like their 'Comma' is Silver Spotted Skipper.

[petesmith]

Indeed David, butterfly nomenclature is fraught with potential hazards, especially once you start looking at "common" names in different languages!

To be fair, I think the French have a better case than us for calling aethiopella the Piedmont Ringlet, given its limited distribution in Piedmont and close over the border in France, whereas the species that we English call the Piedmont Ringlet (meolans), has a considerably wider distribution.

I was always brought up to believe that this is why it is better to use scientific/binomial/Linnaean nomenclature when communicating with others, but even this is far from fool-proof, given how the taxonomists revise generic, and even specific names on a regular basis. You only have to pick up an old book on butterflies from say the last century to find confusion and difficulty in knowing which species some of the scientific names refer to...

All part of the fun!

[Roger Gibbons]

I have just received my copy this morning and I would say that it is the most comprehensive work of its type ever produced. The level of analysis of ecology, habitat and species detail is exceptional. The previous OPIE Atlas looks very skimpy alongside it.

If anyone is thinking of buying it, I don't think you would be disappointed.

Roger

[David M]

..You only have to pick up an old book on butterflies from say the last century to find confusion and difficulty in knowing which species some of the scientific names refer to...

Indeed you do Pete, and you DO have to sometimes wonder how certain names stuck, e.g, Camberwell Beauty, Essex Skipper, Scarce Swallowtail, Bath White, etc...

Of course, these names are relics from a past where nomenclature was based on nation-centric (and often local-centric) observations. As you rightly say, the latin system is far better as it largely takes this element out of the equation.

[Medard]

My copy arrived yesterd,I fully agreed with Mr R Gibbons comments,Weighing in at 2.234 kg it is indeed a weighty tome packed with information, I particularly like the graph showing flight times, now I hope I can put it to good use and enjoy a good visit, lovely places to visit.

The picture of a four zebra drawn carriage had me amused page 41 !!!

The area covers the six departments
Alps-de-Haute Provence 04Les Haute Alps 05
Alps Maritime 06
Bouch-de-Rhone 13
Var 83
Vaucluse 84
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com

[David M]

I have just received my copy this morning and I would say that it is the most comprehensive work of its type ever produced. The level of analysis of ecology, habitat and species detail is exceptional. The previous OPIE Atlas looks very skimpy alongside it.

If anyone is thinking of buying it, I don't think you would be disappointed.

I have just started reading it in detail, Roger, and I have to say it is spectacularly good. Credit to all who have been involved.

I can't honestly believe it only cost around £40. I actually feel it's worth at least double that!

[David M]

..Weighing in at 2.234 kg it is indeed a weighty tome packed with information...

Indeed, Jim. In fact, it might be the best butterfly book every published in terms of £'s per gramme!