[uk-leps] Re: Times Jan 4 2000

[Chris J. Durden]

At 09:48  11/01/00 -0800, you wrote:
>No-one has made the effort necassary to make common names consistent between
>Britain/Europe and North America. There are a number of confusing
>inconsistencies. However, these are COMMON names, names that are supposed to
>be those used by common folk rather than scientists. So there is no reason
>common names should be standardized between continents. 
- - -
  The message that prompted this thread is good enough reason for us to
have non-homonymous common names for butterflies world wide. We can have
local or regiobal synonyms but homonyms no. Watchers and listers of
butterflies are cosmopolitan and they will soon be demanding we remove the
confusing homonyms, just as they do with birds.
  I guess the 'Times' factfinder for pictures did a web search on the
common name and came up with the wrong picture because of the homonym. This
seems good enough reason to me.
.......Chris
- - -


I hope the mention
>of senior/junior homonyms in relation to common names is a joke???? How
>likely is there to be acceptance in North America to use "Small White"
>instead of "Cabbage White" or "Cabbage Butterfly" in North America
>(personally I would be happy to make the change, but only because I
>understand the history of the names)?
- - -
  Me too. Another vote for understanding and education.
.......  Chris