Post by saye on Dec 7, 2014 9:38:20 GMT -8
The term aurelian can be found in multiple (usually nineteenth century, I believe) references relating to those interested in lepidoptera. A self-appointed term, someone interested in butterflies (for the most part) was called an aurelian. The etymology reveals a connection to aureolius - golden; of gold; of golden nature - and the explanation that then ensues is that the aurelians called themselves so because of the notorious morphology of certain chrysalises (this already referring to a golden characteristic); that is, gold or golden-like in appearance.
Now, this explanation would be just fine if Europe was abound in such chrysalises, it's not. The easiest target to presume would be the patches of, yes, golden form in the pupae of Vanessa atalanta (though Polygonia c-album has noticeable - and variable - and similar marks, but not golden). Usually, the species Euploea core is referred to as an example of these chrysalises, but this species is not European, neither are other examples of other "showy" species, which should usually be tropical.
It would seem more likely that aurelian would have been a different take on the word chrysalis, rather then an specifically original term for the same thing.
Does anyone have any proper references regarding this?
Now, this explanation would be just fine if Europe was abound in such chrysalises, it's not. The easiest target to presume would be the patches of, yes, golden form in the pupae of Vanessa atalanta (though Polygonia c-album has noticeable - and variable - and similar marks, but not golden). Usually, the species Euploea core is referred to as an example of these chrysalises, but this species is not European, neither are other examples of other "showy" species, which should usually be tropical.
It would seem more likely that aurelian would have been a different take on the word chrysalis, rather then an specifically original term for the same thing.
Does anyone have any proper references regarding this?
