Post by trehopr1 on Mar 7, 2015 8:24:37 GMT
The former butterfly family Satyridae is commonly and collectively thought of as (Satyrs or Browns). However, if one looks at the "common names" applied to these creatures here in America one finds that there are actually SEVERAL species ending with the name Satyr. There are also SEVERAL others who's name ends in Brown. Additionally, besides these Satyrs and Browns we also have some other "overlooked" butterfly guilds that don't seem to get their due.
We have the ARCTICS whose common names end with the word Arctic. Those fellows are unique to the treeless tundra of both Canada and Alaska. Then we have the Ringlets whose common names end in the word Ringlet. Again, a small guild of "Northern Rockies" butterflies that may be found at lower elevations. Then there are the ALPINES. Whose common names end in Alpine. They prefer to haunt the mountain heights of our Rockies. Let's not forget those 3 or 4 species (?) which we call WOOD NYMPHS. They live in the forest glades of our Eastern seaboard states and their names end with Wood Nymph. We're not done yet as we still have those 3 species of PEARLY EYES to account for. They are our Marsh dwellers in the east. And yes, their common names end in Pearly Eye. Lastly, we have the "Arctic GRAYLING". A singular species found on the treeless tundra mentioned earlier.
Do you know all told that comes to 8 reasonably distinct guilds (groups) under the "umbrella " name of Satyridae. And over here don't just say to another collector or hobbyist "I've got this Satyrid you have to see". Because, chances are he will probably look at you and say what kind? Meaning of coarse which guild do you mean. I suppose that sort of "cuts to the chase". As we do not just see them as Satyr's or Brown's.
Perhaps, the IDEAL choice of wording as well as meaning was found in my Audubon Field Guide to Butterflies. In there they are more appropriately called "Eyespot Patterned Butterflies". That may not ROLL off the tongue as easily as "Satyr" or "Brown" but, it certainly covers ALL the bases a good deal more fittingly !
We have the ARCTICS whose common names end with the word Arctic. Those fellows are unique to the treeless tundra of both Canada and Alaska. Then we have the Ringlets whose common names end in the word Ringlet. Again, a small guild of "Northern Rockies" butterflies that may be found at lower elevations. Then there are the ALPINES. Whose common names end in Alpine. They prefer to haunt the mountain heights of our Rockies. Let's not forget those 3 or 4 species (?) which we call WOOD NYMPHS. They live in the forest glades of our Eastern seaboard states and their names end with Wood Nymph. We're not done yet as we still have those 3 species of PEARLY EYES to account for. They are our Marsh dwellers in the east. And yes, their common names end in Pearly Eye. Lastly, we have the "Arctic GRAYLING". A singular species found on the treeless tundra mentioned earlier.
Do you know all told that comes to 8 reasonably distinct guilds (groups) under the "umbrella " name of Satyridae. And over here don't just say to another collector or hobbyist "I've got this Satyrid you have to see". Because, chances are he will probably look at you and say what kind? Meaning of coarse which guild do you mean. I suppose that sort of "cuts to the chase". As we do not just see them as Satyr's or Brown's.
Perhaps, the IDEAL choice of wording as well as meaning was found in my Audubon Field Guide to Butterflies. In there they are more appropriately called "Eyespot Patterned Butterflies". That may not ROLL off the tongue as easily as "Satyr" or "Brown" but, it certainly covers ALL the bases a good deal more fittingly !
