Q:
What Was the Original Name for the Butterfly?
A:
Quick Answer
The word "butterfly" comes from the Old English word "buttorfleoge," which is a combination of the words for "butter" and "fly." The reasons for the name are obscure.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Peter Weemeeuw
CC-BY 2.0
Full Answer
One theory regarding the origin of the word "butterfly" states that the word comes from the old idea that insects consumed butter or milk that is left uncovered. The insects were sometimes believed to be witches disguised as butterflies.
A simpler theory is that the pale yellow color of many butterflies reminded people of the color of butter. Another theory says the name comes from the color of butterflies' excrement, connecting it to the Dutch cognate "boterschijte."
Learn more about Butterflies & MothsSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What Does a Butterfly Need to Survive?
A: In order to survive a butterfly needs food, shelter and air to breathe. Most butterflies will get their food needs from the nectar found in flowers, which ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Can Cocoons Be Used for Butterfly Identification?
A: The chrysalis of a butterfly can be used to determine the species of butterfly, but the sub-species chrysalids usually do not differ from each other. Chrys... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is a Butterfly Collector Called?
A: A person who collects and studies butterflies is called a lepidopterist. Lepidopterology (also lepidoptery) is a branch of zoology dealing with both butter... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where Can I Find Butterfly Pictures?
A: Butterfly pictures can be found easily on the Internet. A quick Google search using the word butterfly yields thousands of pictures of different butterfly ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
