Danais

/ˈdænə.ɪs/ noun

Definition

A genus name used in butterfly taxonomy, or a variant form relating to the Danaans in classical contexts.

Etymology

From the genus 'Danaus', named after the Danaans in classical tradition. The '-is' ending reflects Latin nominative singular scientific naming conventions.

Kelly Says

The monarch butterfly's full scientific name is 'Danaus plexippus'—meaning literally 'Danaan (Greek warrior) folded-wing'—and botanists gave it this grand classical name because when European scientists first documented it, they wanted to honor the tradition of pairing natural specimens with mythology.

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