epitypes

[Robin Panza]

>If a holotype is equivocal (e.g., if the species includes two subspecies
>based on seed or fruit characters, but the type has only flowers),
>subsequent authors may designate a supplementary specimen (an epitype) to
>effectively establish the subspecies to which the holotype belongs.  It's a

This seems like a good provision.  Perhaps it should be incorporated into the
ICZN, too.  Many species of animal have a larval or immature stage that
differs from the adult, and there could be important characters used (I've
heard of a subspecies of Song Sparrow, for example, described from its egg).
The same is true of sex differences, where a male may be the holotype but
differences in females may be important for distinguishing races (or even
cryptic species).

Robin Panza                     panzar at clpgh.org
Section of Birds, Carnegie MNH
Pittsburgh  PA  15213  USA