Allotypes

[Steve at]

Allotypes are not covered by the ICZN.  See the Glossary under "type,
allotype", where it states "A tern, not regulated by the Code, for a
designated specimen of opposite sex to the holotype", and also
Recommendation 72A. "Use of term 'allotype'. - The term 'allotype' may be
used to designate among paratypes a specimen of oppiste sex to the holotype.
Authors are recommended to avoid using the therm 'allotype' for specimens
other than paratypes."  Thus allotypes are nothing more than paratypes.

As for describing the opposite sex as a new species and then synonymising
it, the only thing at risk is your reputation.

On a broader scale, what's the point of having a ton of paratypes?  If you
have the primary type (be it holotype, neotype or lectotype), you have the
name tied down.  If you really want to know what the species is, then you'll
need a lot more material than just types (to quanify variation, develop a
useful diagnosis, etc.)  On the other hand, I suppose if you want trading
stock . . .


Steve Shattuck
Australian National Insect Collection
CSIRO, Div. of Entomology
P. O. Box 1700
Canberra, ACT  2601, Australia
phone (06) 246-4273, fax (06) 246-4264
steves at ento.csiro.au