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That's not the scientific name its only a common name, each specific species of butterfly has its own name, binomial nomenclature. Binomial nomenclature is the naming of a specific organism, the first word being the genus labeling the the exact species then getting into more detail based on size, coloring, flight distance, etc. The Anglo-Saxons used the word 'butterfloege' because their most common butterfly was the yellow brimstone butterfly. This English influence was brought to the new world.

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13y ago
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10y ago

Butterflies used to be called flutterbys because they flutter. People liked the way the word sounded flipped backwards into butterfly and started calling them that.

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The following information is per Rick Mikula (source in Related Links area):

It depends on whom you would like to believe. The Anglo-Saxons used the word 'butterfloege' because their most common butterfly was the yellow brimstone butterfly. This English influence was brought to the new world.

In the colonies, people claimed that at night witches would turn into winged creatures and steal butter.

In other languages the butterfly's name means 'licker of milk' and milk thief. So maybe they were not off the mark.

In Russia they're called 'babochka' or 'little soul'.

The ancient Greeks called butterflies 'Psyche' which also means 'soul.' Many cultures feel that when we die our souls go to heaven as butterflies.

In France they are called 'papillon.' Parking tickets are called 'papillon' too, because they are big pieces of yellow paper. When they are placed under a windshield wiper they flap like a big yellow butterfly.

The Sioux Indians called butterflies 'fluttering wings'.

There are other stories which are not as pleasant. The Dutch word for butterfly, for example, describes the color of their excrement. It is a yellow drop from something that flies.

Yet another take: The previously used Dutch word for butterfly, boterschijte, does mean "butter-voider", but the idea that it is because of its excrement has been disputed, as they do not void solid waste. It is thought that there was originally some now-obscure reasoning behind the term. The origin of the European myth that they steal butter is also an unsolved mystery.

In addition, there are to be found online at least three conflicting explanations of the origins of the word babochkain Russian.

In a fascinating article on the etymology of the word for butterfly world-wide, it has been found that the word is surprisingly unique in most languages, even closely related ones such as French, Italian, and Spanish. The author, and other researchers, surmise that the word has not evolved in the same way as most others, by being borrowed and adapted from other cultures, but seems to be generated by their movements (fluttering or open and closing like a book) and the sounds they make as they fly; as well as aesthetic and inspirational influences. (Source cited below)

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13y ago

Well I guess they have to fly like we have legs because they are very small and delicate with they wings and body so it helps them in case

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7y ago

Because I threw it out the window!

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12y ago

in order to transport quicker.

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13y ago

food the larva eats butterfly

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12y ago

To fly

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Q: Why does butterflies have wings?
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