Argentata

Argentata is not a distinct taxon but a Latin adjective form commonly used as a specific epithet in the scientific names of many organisms. The term derives from argentatus, argentata, argentatum, meaning silver or silvery, itself from argentum, the Latin word for silver. In biological nomenclature, argentata typically conveys some silvery coloration or sheen in the organism described.

Usage and scope

The epithet argentata appears across a wide range of taxa, including animals and plants. It is used to denote a silvery appearance on features such as plumage, scales, or fur in animals, and on leaves or other surfaces in plants. Because it is an epithet rather than a genus or species name, argentata can be found in many different genera, reflecting a descriptive trait rather than a shared lineage.

Gender and form

Argentata is the feminine form of the adjective. In Latin binomial nomenclature, the ending of the epithet agrees with the gender of the genus name; masculine is argentatus, neuter is argentatum. This grammatical agreement helps maintain consistency within scientific naming conventions.

Notes

As a descriptive epithet, argentata is encountered in diverse groups and does not indicate relatedness among organisms that happen to share the term. It is one of many Latin color-based descriptors used to provide concise morphological hints in species names.

See also

Latin in binomial nomenclature; descriptive epithets in taxonomy; argentatus and argentatum forms.