A. M. Emmet (1908–2001)

(This review was written for lepidopterists).

This will remain the standard work on the etymology of the scientific names of all butterflies and moths - yes, the 'micro'-moths too - of Great Britain for decades to come. As no other european country can boast a similar treatise it also serves as a basic reference work for most parts of Europe. The few earlier treatments of this subject are outdated (as even scientific nomenclature is slowly but constantly changing) or bristled with errors (when written by linguists without entomological knowledge like Macleod 1959). All taxa from the order down to genera, species, subspecies and some common forms are listed, the names explained and their Latin or Greek roots given, comparisons made, author's preferences (or idiosyncrasies) noted. The opening chapters on the history of scientific nomenclature and the practices and "fashions" in naming species since Linnaeus' times are especially interesting. For example, did you know that in the Geometridae once the endings -ata and -aria were meant to designate species with simple and with bipectinate male antennae respectively? If reliable that would be a nice additional information today, but unfortunately not all authors conformed to or knew this custom, and occasionally species were described with only a female type... Or do you know why the burnet genus was named after the hammer-headed shark (Zygaina in Greek)? And the many butterfly names from mythology! Did you know that Machaon and Podaleirios were brothers, sons of Asklepios, doctors in the Trojan war and both entered the Trojan horse? Although intended as a reference work time and again you will find yourself reading on and on - and better understanding (and better remembering) the names you use every day. The sheer amount of work the eminent British microlepidopterist has put into this volume is unbelievable and can only be appreciated by those who (like myself) have ever undertaken a similar task (even if for a smaller group in a restricted area). Everybody who works on european Lepidoptera and is remotely interested in their names will someday need to consult this book. And if you are a linguistically skilled lepidopterist you will soon find it indispensable. If you have it - treasure it! If a friend has it - borrow it! And if you ever find it reprinted again - buy it!… (meer)