Holarcticus mythica

[Kondla, Norbert FOR:EX]

Naturally there are other opinions which hold that the correct name is
actually Holarcticus speculatus. And then there is the matter of deciding on
the correct ending of the species epithet so that we can be compliant with
the gender-congruence provisions of the rules.  Don't know what I am
blathering about ?? It has to do with one of the enduring mysteries of
butterfly taxonomy as it relates to the Eur-Asian and North American
continents. I quote from page 201 of Hollands 1931 butterfly book: "...the
nomenclature has been somewhat confused by the fact that the older authors
persisted in trying to fit to American forms the names given to insects of
European origin...The nomenclature is still badly messed up". With great
sadness I must report that although there has been a bit of progress over
the past 70 years; Hollands astute observation still holds true. We continue
to see names attached to our North American butterflies that are unfounded
in any fact, data or even logical reasoning that I am aware of.  Modern
authors are still presenting this assumption-based taxonomy as factual in
far too many cases.  So my response to those who want to cloak this mythical
nomenclature/taxonomy in "officialdom" is: Don't waste your time; treat it
as the unsubstantiated opinion that it is. Eventually more people will get
interested, do some detective work and present some views with supporting
information.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Norbert Kondla  P.Biol., RPBio.
Forest Ecosystem Specialist, Ministry of Environment
845 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, British Columbia V1N 1H3
Phone 250-365-8610
Mailto:Norbert.Kondla at gems3.gov.bc.ca       
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca


 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl