Hesperiid

/hɛˈspɛriɪd/ noun

Definition

A butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as a skipper butterfly.

Etymology

From Hesperiidae (family name) + -id (suffix meaning 'member of'). The family name derives from the mythical Hesperides, though the connection to the name is unclear.

Kelly Says

Skipper butterflies earned their scientific name 'Hesperiidae' by accident—no one's quite sure why, but the name stuck, connecting these swift little butterflies to ancient mythology!

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