...but I have to ask, why did anyone name a genus of wrinkledy black beetles "Euphoria"? Do you feel euphoric if they're near (I didn't) or if you eat them (ick!)? Do they act euphoric at some stage of their lives.

Inquiring and rather silly minds want to know.

This is the combination of Greek elements meaning "well" and "bearing" or "carrying". Aside from contentment, it also had senses referring to fertility and gracefulness (click here for a dictionary entry). I don't know the real explanation of the name, but you can see that the word itself is more complex than our modern use of it.

Rhetorical questions answered, While You Wait...

(but murmuring quietly to herself, "But I took Greek, and I really did know...it's the *beetle* part I can't figure out...that stubby wrinkley thing graceful???...well, maybe it's fertile. Maybe the other members of the genus fit the description better...maybe I should just go to bed now...at least, being a featherless biped, I have only two feet to put into my mouth, not six or eight.")

I really do appreciate the time, Chuck and Philip both. Two new species (new to me, I mean) makes it a good day and on top of that the male painted bunting posed right in front of me. Hence the giddiness. (If anyone wants to see, that's on my website, www.elizabethmoon.com/photogallery.htm )

For misspelling Phillip Harpootlian's name in the above.