The meaning and significance of the scientific names given to British moths and butterflies are unknown to many naturalists. This important new work sheds much light on a hitherto obscure corner of zoological language. The introduction discusses classification and conventions, the history of scientific names, and the modern basis of nomenclature. A systematic section follows, giving the meanings of 3000 names, at specific, generic, family and suborder level. An invaluable work for lepidopterists and all students of entomology and scientific nomenclature.