What do you think of when you hear the word “common?” Although this term can refer simply to the frequency with which something is seen or experienced, it often has a derogatory connotation of inferiority. For that reason, I am often uncomfortable with the use of the word “common” in the name of many species.
I could easily argue, for example, that this Common Buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia) that I spotted on Tuesday at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge is uncommonly beautiful. The orange markings and wonderfully-colored eyespots make this a stunning butterfly. Yes, I see this species quite often, but its distinctive beauty never fails to take my breath away.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It certainly looks uncommon to me.
One of my favorite butterflies.
I’d agree with Dan, it looks far from common. I think I am more likely to think of numerous, happily adapted or native when it comes to folk names. I am never sure what lesser spotted means – does it just mean they don’t have as many spots or does it suggest they are smaller or both? Often we approach names like cliches and don’t really examine the ideas behind the words.
I agree with you. I am also conscious that “common” is a relative term, often based on geography. The birds and insects that I see in the eastern part of the US are different than those in the western part and completely different from those in other countries. The commonplace species for me may well be considered exotic by others.
I know it is a little out of context, but what came to my mind was when Peter had the vision of wild animals and birds and a voice said, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common’ (Acts 11:9). What right do we have to call a beautifully designed flower a “weed”, or an intricate butterfly “common”??? Great thought-provoking blog! William — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104 The Message
The Psalms are great when thinking about the natural world–Psalm 8 immediately comes to mind (When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” There are so many other Psalms too. I grew up memorizing certain Psalms in the King James version and that tends to be my preference especially for Psalms 23 and 100.
Great image Mike! Very nice detail!
Thanks, Reed. It is also a challenge getting a butterfly to open its wings, though I do try to telepathically suggest to them that is what I would like them to do. “)
Following a Common Buckeye as it flutters from one plant to another, hoping for that moment it opens its wings and displays its beauty.
I’m with you, Mike. Why was it not immediately named “Uncommonly Beautiful Buckeye”!!
Thanks, Wally.
So difficult to get any butterfly to pose for a great portrait. Wondrous buckeye, wrote the woman form the Buckeye State.
Thanks, Molly. As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, I was not as familiar with buckeyes as you are. 🙂
I never see this one. That’s a beautiful shot of a beautiful thing.
Thanks, Allen. I see them quite often, but am quite conscious of the geographic reality that the species that I see may well be different from the ones that you see, even though we both live in the eastern part of the US. I’ve had the same realization with birds when I learned that there are no Northern Cardinals in the western part of the US–I had mistakenly assumed that they were spread out over the entire country.
Yes, and the same is true with many plants. Some have never crossed the Mississippi.
What a beauty! We don’t seem to have them here. I think I would remember seeing such a pretty butterfly.
You comment, Eliza, reminds me why “common” is such a relative term with respect to geography. Species can be locally common, but still be rare overall.
I don’t think I’ve seen these in Minnesota, but I’m pretty sure I remember a few from student days in Ohio. The eyespots are among their best features. I also remember finding a cocoon as a boy in Michigan and keeping it in a jar in the garage over the winter, and a Polyphemus (which has one of the best eyespots of all) emerged from it in the spring, and that was one of the experiences that stimulated my love for the lepidoptera.
Eyespots are definitely cool, both for the way that they look and the role they are supposed to play. I had to look up what a Polyphemus moth looks like–I have never encountered one before. It is fun to look back and try to figure out what experiences and interests in our young lives caused us to turn into the adults that we have become.
Beautiful
Thanks, Louella.
Yes, it is really beautiful. When I was a child, I used to collect butterflies and moths. Now I shudder to think that I used to capture and kill these lovely insects. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to change over time. Now I prefer to watch them and enjoy their beauty. You capture them with your photographs, which we can all admire and enjoy without hurting the animal–like a photo safari. Thanks for that! I haven’t seen a buckeye in many many years.
I like the image of a photo safari. Photos is all I too want to collect. I am glad to see that you enjoyed the Common Buckeye. I am never quite sure what species that viewers are used to seeing, so I love to give equal times to the ones that I see frequently and those that are more rarely spotted.
Fabulous shot, Mike! That is one stunning butterfly, and you caught it beautifully.
Thanks, Pete.
Nice picture of a butterfly that is not living in Europe I guess.
Thanks. I think this butterfly is found only in North America and Central America. I have found that often there are related species of insects that I find in the US in Europe.