paratype

English

Etymology

para- +‎ type

Noun

paratype (plural paratypes)

  1. (taxonomy) A physical specimen (or an illustration) that is not the holotype but is considered the same taxon by the author of the holotype.
    • 1942, Alan Stone, “The Fruitflies of the Genus Anastrepha”, in Miscellaneous Publication, US Department of Agriculture, 439, page 44:
      The paratype of this species proves to have an ovipositor very different from that of the holotype (see dissimilis, new species).
    • 1965, James A. G. Rehn, A New Genus of Symbiotic Cockroach from Southwest Africa (Orthoptera; Blattaria; Oxyhaloinae), Notulae Naturae, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, page 6,
      An adult female paratype will be sent to the Transvaal Museum (at Dr. Kohls' request) and a similar one to the United States National Museum. The remainder are in the collection of this Academy. All were taken with the type and allotype.
    • 2008, Charles W. Heckman, Encyclopedia of South American Aquatic Insects: Odonata - Zygoptera, Springer, page 3:
      In addition to the holotype, other specimens believed to be of the same species by the author are designated as paratypes. If a holotype is not available, a paratype can be examined to confirm identifications.

Usage notes
  • The taxonomist may analyze several specimens, selecting one as the holotype and designating others (of the same taxon) as paratypes. The holotype and any given paratype may subsequently be kept in different repositories.

See also

Further reading
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