Should'nt butterflys be called flutterbys instead?

Question

i mean thats what they do isnt it? they flutter by you?

Answer 1

Ha Ha, that name would actually make more sense. You see, in the world of entomology, many people are lead to believe different things about different insects based on their common names. The common name butterfly, implies that they are Flies which belong to the order (Diptera) however, they actually belong to the order (Lepidoptera) at least flutterbys is a neutral name that is not misleading to anyone not familiar with butterflies. The same is true for many thing like Ladybugs and Junebugs, which are both beetles (Coleoptera) not true bugs order (Hemiptera) as the name would suggest.
I'll share with you a little trick to remembering which names have real meaning and which dont. If the name is all one word for example Mayfly or butterfly, it is not a fly but actually something else.
If the name is two seperate words like Hercules Beetle, it is in fact what the name suggests...in this case a beetle and not a mythical strong man.
So from my entomological perspecticve it would only make sense to call them something other than butterflies which technically they are not because of my above explanation, and Flutterbys is an excellent name. Good Question! I hope that backs up your question with some actual science fact!

Answer 2

I have always called them flutterbys and in fact had to stop when I was teaching my child what they were but yes that is what i think they should be called and it is what i do call them

Answer 3

thank you, not only that i completely agree, but from this moment on, i shall include this question at random places whenever i have to deliver a long and serious-minded report that nobody is probably going to read - let´s see if anybody notices, like page 24 out of 47

Answer 4

They actually used to be called flutterbys.

But King George didn't like that, I forget why, it was some kind of dispute over taxes, so he decreed the name change. It was one of the many little grievances that led to the American Revolution.

Answer 5

Have you ever seen a butterfly chase another butterfly they are extremely accurate flyers.

Answer 6

Actually that is what I call them because I thought the same thing! I think you're onto something!!

Answer 7

I don't know what they should be called but I LOVE to hear my four(4) year old say butterflies.She says "Furfly".LoL! Be Blessed! Monica

Answer 8

I've been callin' 'em flutterbys for years!!!!!!

Answer 9

That is the best and sweetest thing I have heard all week! Thank you!

Answer 10

I always figured that umbrella's should be called Underbrella's...LOL