The origins of the common names "butterfly" and "moth" are varied and often obscure. The English word butterfly is from Old English ', with many variations in spelling. Other than that, the origin is unknown, although it could be derived from the pale yellow color of many species' wings suggesting the color of butter. The species of Heterocera are commonly called moths. The origins of the English word moth are clearer, deriving from Old English] ' (cf. Northumbrian dialect ') from Common Germanic (compare Old Norse ', Dutch ' and German ' all meaning "moth"). Perhaps its origins are related to Old English "" meaning "maggot" or from the root of "midge", which until the 16th century was used mostly to indicate the larva, usually in reference to devouring clothes.