The Jewel Box: How moths illuminate nature's hidden rules By Blackburn, Tim, 1st edition, Washington: Island Press. 2023. 288 pages. Price AUD $45 (hardback, also available as e‐book). ISBN: −13: 9781474624527

Moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) are often overlooked by many—except perhaps enthusiastic amateur naturalists and those in the agriculture industry who may view moths as major damaging pests. Described as ‘among the most feared invasive insect pest species’, it is no surprise that the author, Professor of Invasion Biology at University College London, Tim Blackburn would take a keen interest in investigating them in this popular science book. ‘The Jewel Box’ introduces us to a variety of moths, from the common to the rare, from the beautiful to the bizarre, and shows how they are connected to each other and to the wider web of life. The book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of moth biology and ecology, plus an introduction, sources, notes, acknowledgements and an index. The Introduction focuses on the author's enthusiasm for a moth trap he receives as a birthday present and operates at his home in central London. Over the course of the book, the author uses its discoveries as a framing device throughout the narrative. The moth trap provides a familiar idea to return to after introducing new species and concepts in every chapter. Chapter 1 introduces the basic principles of population growth through the story of the Spongy Moth introduction in North America (Ebebidae: Lymantria dispar, described in the book by its old name the Gypsy Moth, changed in July 2021 by the Entomological Society of America (Rominiecki, 2021)). A good species choice for the first chapter, the vivid imagery of the moth invasion in the US works well to get the reader interested. Chapter 2 covers competition and resource availability and their constraints on the population size of the Dingy Footman (Ebebidae: Collita griseola). Chapter 3 covers the influence of predation on population size in Eggars (Lasiocampidae: Lasiocampa spp.). Chapter 4 covers the differing r vs. K selected life history strategies in the Codling moth (Tortricidae: Cydia pomonella) and the Goat moth (Cossidae: Cossus cossus). Chapter 5 covers the basics of theories of community structure, including Neutral Theory, with the Uncertain moth (Noctuidae: Hoplodrina octogenaria) (note: this is potentially the most unhelpful common name I have ever heard!). Chapter 6 covers the contributions of migrants to communities, especially on islands, with the Silver Y (Noctuidae: Autographa gamma). Chapter 7 covers evolution and the distribution of biodiversity across the globe with the Poplar Hawk Moth (Sphingidae: Laothoe populi). Chapter 8 covers human impacts on moth systems (including climate change, invasive species and extinctions) with the Box tree (Crambidae: Cydalima perspectalis) and Stout Dart (Noctuidae: Spaelotis ravida). Chapter 9 concludes the book, revisiting the topics covered in the previous chapters, and covers the ecological information that we are yet to understand with the Acer Sober (Gelechiidae: Anarsia innoxiella). Blackburn's lifelong passion for these taxa is evident in his writing, which is full of curiosity and humour, blending scientific facts with personal anecdotes and observations from his collecting around the UK. Outside of the entertainment value, the book reflects on the philosophical and ethical implications of studying nature and our relationship with it. The author's knowledgeable identification of moths collected from various traps gives the small pleasure of watching someone do something that they are very good at. The mathematical formula underpinning ecological theories is introduced in a way that is not overwhelming and is built upon over multiple pages. Black and white images of the focal species are used sparingly, but a few more high-quality images and simple diagrams to illustrate the mathematical formulae could aid in understanding, without making the book feel too much like a textbook. Some terminology, despite being historically or scientifically valid, could be updated to increase the ease of understanding by some readers (e.g. Gypsy Moth → Spongy Moth, catholic diet → generalist diet, Old/New World → Eurasia/the Americas, etc.). This book is for naturalists of all kinds interested in learning more about Lepidoptera or ecological principles. It would also make excellent supplementary reading for undergraduate students in ecology. The very charming (and sometimes unusual) common names of British moths which include ‘Lichen Button, Kentish Glory, Footman, Maiden's Blush, July Belle and Uncertain’ would be entertaining to read about for many readers. I should expect the sale of moth traps to increase after the publication of this book. Tessa R Smith: Conceptualization (lead); writing – original draft (lead).