We have a great book in the library which tells you all about the origin of the scientific names of butterflies, so here we go:
Argynnis aglaja
Argynnus was a lady beloved by Agammemnon who erected a temple in her honour where Aphrodite (Venus) was worshipped; thus Argynnis came to be used as an epithet of Aphrodite and Fabricius used the name as a family name for the larger fritillaries. Fond of word play, Fabricius is probably punning on 'arguros' (silver), with reference to the silvery underside markings of these butterflies.
Aglaja was one of the three Graces who personified elegance and beauty.
So, there you go!
Becky
Dark Green Fritillary - Argynnis aglaja |
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