'nireus' ?

[Damania]

While you all argue over the Gillett(e) nomenclature problem, I'm puzzling
over one of my one, here in Kenya, and thought I might as well get help out
there. It may sound a rather naive and simple question, but I sure am in the
dark regarding it. Papilio nireus is sometimes given the common name 'Narrow
Blue Banded Swallowtail' in some identification books, whereas other books
call it 'Narrow Green Banded Swallowtail'. I am just an amateur, and am
illitrate in Latin, so could someone shed a light as to what the word
'nireus' really describes about the swallowtail? The specimen I have in my
collection, shows a clearly, distinct blue band, that is in no way green.
Thanks for the help,
Smruti.



 
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