ALLOTYPE

[Yuri P. Nekrutenko]

     Normal  human logic  stands  in   a certain controversy with the "sole
    name bearing type" concept as accepted in all versions of  the ICZN. In
    fact, the  elementary   unit of  the   real species  group taxon   is a
    reproductively effective couple  (conjugal)  which  form the only  test
    for specific identity. In order to escape  possible confusion is it not
    better to legalize allotype under  ICZN mandatory provisions under  one
    absolute condition:  it  should be demonstrably  collected _in  copula_
    with holotype. This will minimize possibility that  it  will  represent
    an another,  different   from  the holotype species group taxon (though
    sodomy time  to  time  occurs   in Lepidoptera).  A proposed definition
    follows:

     _Allotype_  - is  a  name-bearing  specimen  of   opposite sex to  the
    holotype demonstrably collected with it in copula and designated as such.

     This "in flagranti" approach is hoped to be of some use for  stability
    and universality of zoological nomenclature  and to  be a reliable tool
    for taxonomy.

     Regards.

     Yuri P. Nekrutenko
     Institute of Zoology
     UA-252601 Kiev 30, MSP
     U K R A I N E
     e-mail: ypnekrut at mbat.freenet.kiev.ua