Origins of the term "Aurelian"

[saye]

The term aurelian can be found in multiple (usually nineteenth century, I believe) references relating to those interested in lepidoptera. A self-appointed term, someone interested in butterflies (for the most part) was called an aurelian. The etymology reveals a connection to aureolius - golden; of gold; of golden nature - and the explanation that then ensues is that the aurelians called themselves so because of the notorious morphology of certain chrysalises (this already referring to a golden characteristic); that is, gold or golden-like in appearance.

Now, this explanation would be just fine if Europe was abound in such chrysalises, it's not. The easiest target to presume would be the patches of, yes, golden form in the pupae of Vanessa atalanta (though Polygonia c-album has noticeable - and variable - and similar marks, but not golden). Usually, the species Euploea core is referred to as an example of these chrysalises, but this species is not European, neither are other examples of other "showy" species, which should usually be tropical.

It would seem more likely that aurelian would have been a different take on the word chrysalis, rather then an specifically original term for the same thing.

Does anyone have any proper references regarding this?

[irisscientist]

Although I certainly haven't looked into this in detail, from memory "Aurelian" (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Augustus) was a Roman emperor who started out from very humble beginnings:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurelian

The term 'Aurelian' could therefore imply that great things (i.e. butterflies and moth) can arise from far more humble beginnings (i.e. caterpillars). Another interpretation from the same source could however have also arisen due to the fact that Aurelius worshipped the sun (Sol Invictus) and even built/finished a temple (Campus Agrippae) in which his cult following could honour his God.

Both of these explanations are viable links, but like I said I haven't looked into the actual etymology of the word in relation to the Lepidoptera. Just some thoughts to possibly further muddy the pool.


Mark

Postscript note: Having now looked into the etymology of this term a little further it would appear that your original reference (re: chrysalis) was correct. The Aurelian Society was founded in 1762:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurelian_(entomology)

Some of their later works (1773) can be read online such as those here:

books.google.co.uk/books?id=Lg1JAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Copper+plates+of+English+moths+and+butterflies&hl=en&sa=X&ei=d72EVLmSNMr2O9TVgcAB&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Copper%20plates%20of%20English%20moths%20and%20butterflies&f=false

Take a look at the introduction section of this publication:

books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Lg1JAAAAcAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=IA6&dq=%22Aurelian+Society%22&ots=ZEmCWL93ng&sig=jaSdK-smjWDYkxJHbVahgqQHn6o#v=snippet&q=ftudded%20with%20Gold&f=false

Here it states:

"The Chrysalides or Aureliae of the butterfly-kind are all beautiful; some of them look as if they were studded with Gold; some are striped, others spotted and others mottled with all the various colours of the rainbow."

[saye]

That's great! Thank you, it's the second time you've helped me with something that required more dedicated online research. I also find it a bit amusing that I accidentally, on a whim I might add, came close to the correct answer. However, since the society dates from the eighteenth century, it wouldn't be so strange they would ride on a specific chrysalis, such as that of E. core, to emphasise a word. Though there's no such reference in this literature, it seems. Meaning that the example of said species might just be a modern take on what someone might think they meant. Clearly, they used aurelia as a synonym for chrysalis - independently of its relation to golden pupae.

Again, thanks!

On a completely different subject: are you familiar with lepidopteran (or insect, if not as specific) immunology?

[irisscientist]

Saye,

This is certainly not my specific field of research, but what do you want/need to know? PM me. If I was looking for something general I'd probably start somewhere here (Beckage, 2008):

www.amazon.com/Insect-Immunology-Nancy-E-Beckage/dp/0123739764/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417994156&sr=8-1&keywords=insect+Immunology

or possibly an older text such as Gupta (1991):

www.amazon.com/Immunology-Arthropods-Comparative-Morphology-Development/dp/0849373816/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417994655&sr=8-1&keywords=Immunology+of+Insects+and+Other+Arthropods+%28Comparative+Arthropod+Morphology%2C+Physiology+and+Development%29

Once I had thoroughly understood the basics, if it was something more specific I would take a much deeper, longer look into all of the relevant published literature. Again Beckage (above), would still be a good place to start. If however after reading all of the available literature (and therefore exhausting all other possible options) but was still unable to find the answer, I would contemplate emailing the author and asking for guidance:

[e-mail]

This address would appear to still be an active account considering Prof Beckage's current (2014) UCR position:

cbns.ucr.edu/index.php?content=people/faculty/beckage/beckage.html


Mark

[saye]

Again, I would have gotten the feeling I searched for some literature and found nothing notable - it's clearly otherwise. Well worth consideration (this stuff isn't cheap though). If I happen to formulate a specific question (or several) I will PM you. Thank you for the availability, and thank you for the information!