While you are on the subject, there are some very odd insect names. Some examples: Pleasing fungus beetle, Horrid Zale, Confused Moth, Faithful Beauty. Are there some archaic word uses mixed in here?
Good question! I do not know the origin of either the pleasing fungus beetle (Erotylidae) or the handsome fungus beetles (Endomychidae). All of the common names of the moths that you listed are attributable to Charlie Covell, author of the Moths of Eastern North America. These are based on their scientific names Zale horrida, Eusarca confusia, and Composia fidelissima. As for the derivation of these scientific names, one would have to consult the original descriptions.
While you are on the subject, there are some very odd insect names. Some examples: Pleasing fungus beetle, Horrid Zale, Confused Moth, Faithful Beauty. Are there some archaic word uses mixed in here?
Good question! I do not know the origin of either the pleasing fungus beetle (Erotylidae) or the handsome fungus beetles (Endomychidae). All of the common names of the moths that you listed are attributable to Charlie Covell, author of the Moths of Eastern North America. These are based on their scientific names Zale horrida, Eusarca confusia, and Composia fidelissima. As for the derivation of these scientific names, one would have to consult the original descriptions.
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