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Talk:Parthenos sylvia

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Parthenos sylvia

Parthenos sylvia, commonly known as the clipper, is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in forested areas of southern and southeastern Asia. This butterfly, photographed in Kerala, India, is puddling in a film of shallow water at the edge of a stream. Puddling is a behavior whereby butterflies, and some other insects, suck up fluids from mud, carrion, excrement, or rotting plant material, in order to fulfil their physiological needs for certain minerals and amino acids. When the conditions are suitable, butterflies commonly form conspicuous aggregations on wet soil, and some species are also attracted to body fluids such as sweat or tears.

Photograph credit: Jeevan Jose

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Reason for common name

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The common name "Clipper" might, I'd guess, stem from the resemblance of the white forewing markings to the sails of a clipper ship, but it would be nice to find a RS confirmation (or an alternative explanation). I notice that it was named scientifically by the Dutch etymologist Pieter Cramer: does anyone have access to text by him (or by anyone else) that explains the name? {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.200.41.197 (talk) 15:29, 13 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Cramer is the binomial authority. Added a reference to his original desc. in Dutch. Most of the trivial / vernacular names were invented by the Aurelians and collectors in England. Shyamal (talk) 03:33, 14 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]