Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of butterflies: "Genus Polygonia" is the scientific name for a group of butterflies commonly known as comma butterflies, characterized by their angular wing margins and distinctive silver or white comma-shaped markings on the underside of their hindwings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Polygonia includes several species found across North America and Eurasia.
  • Entomologists study the wing patterns within genus Polygonia to understand their evolution.
  • The most familiar member of genus Polygonia is the Eastern Comma butterfly.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific literature: The name is always italicized, and the genus name ("Polygonia") is capitalized. It is often used in a taxonomic context to discuss relationships, morphology, or distribution.
  • The research paper focused on the larval host plants for genus Polygonia.

Variants and Related Words

• Polygonia (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, used in the same scientific contexts.
  • The species Polygonia c-album is widespread in Europe.
• Comma butterfly (n): The common name for butterflies belonging to this genus.
  • A comma butterfly landed on the flower, showing its distinctive wing shape.

Synonyms

• Comma butterflies (common name)
• Anglewing butterflies (a descriptive common name referring to the wing shape characteristic of this genus)

Related Terms

• Nymphalidae (n): The butterfly family to which genus belongs.
• Taxon (n): A general term for a taxonomic group, such as a genus or species. Genus is a taxon.
• Type species (n): The species that serves as the defining example for a genus. For genus , it is .

Noun

1. comma butterflies