common names

[Ernest Mengersen]

The ENDLESS Debate!!!

I remember reading somewhere that our dear old Monarch - Danaus plexippus (whatever happened to that thread and how is the migration going?) has had about 5 different scientific names but only one common name.  So much for stability!  Can anyone corroborate?  Is that true or is it another tale?

If names are for communication, then use what you feel most comfortable with, realizing that others, be they scientific name tossers, or common name flingers, might not communicate with you.  Some people are exceptional with scientific names, others are hopeless.  As long as we don't look down our noses at the others and make an ego trip of it.  I have a ton of trouble with Covell's common names but don't understand a lot of the scientific jargon either.  So one continues to work at them and the more you read, the more you write, the more you look at the specimens, the more likely you will get to "know" the insects.  (I think the French have a special word for it.)

Take care and who knows what the names will be in the future with the new phylogenetic taxonomy.

Ernest


 
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