In September 2010, Prof Thomas was given the British Ecological Society's Marsh Award for Ecology in recognition of his work on butterfly conservation.

BBC: Dorset butterfly scientist appointed OBE

And visitors are encouraged to participate: Pro Natura and Butterfly Conservation Switzerland have developed programmes to plant butterfly-friendly flowers at public schools and parks.

BBC: Switzerland��s valley of butterflies

There are intriguing digressions, too, into the lives of great butterfly hunters of the past, and an engaging account of some recent developments in butterfly conservation.

ECONOMIST: Butterflies