The White Patch Dusky Wing?

[Stanley A. Gorodenski]

I am not a taxonomist, but I have noticed that since 1965 the scientific
names of a number of butterflies have changed.  However, I do not know
of one instance, although I am sure they exist, where the species name
has changed.  It is always the genus name that has changed.  This
indicates to me that the name changes have taken place because further
taxonomic and/or bionomic and/or genetic and/or biochemical work has
shown the species to be related to a different group which has a
different generic name, hence the change in the scientific name.  Thus,
it seems that most name changes reflect taxonomic or phylogenetic
relationships, and consequently (or at least hopefully) relatedness.  To
me, this is a desirable trait of a scientific name.  However, for those
who desire a more static naming convention, the butterfly could be
referred to by its species name (i.e., minus the genus name) since a
species name seems to be rarely changed.  

Stan



Hank & Priscilla Brodkin wrote:
> 
> And again It would be great if the taxonomists among you discuss the
> reasons for name changes - or for name standardization on this Forum.
> My apologies for the confusion.
>