Benzerlii

Benzerlii is a specific epithet used in biological nomenclature. It is not a taxon by itself; rather, it functions as the second part of a binomial name to honor a person with the surname Benzerli. The form benzerlii is a Latinized epithet commonly used to recognize a male honoree, though epithets vary in ending depending on gender, language, and the rules of the relevant nomenclatural code.

In practice, benzerlii appears in species names across different biological groups, within both the animal and plant kingdoms. Its use follows the standards of the respective codes of nomenclature: the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for animals and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp) for plants, algae, and fungi. When a new species is described, the epithet benzerlii is published together with a genus name to form a full binomial.

In a formal citation, benzerlii is written in lowercase and combined with a genus name, for example Genus benzerlii. The original publication typically provides a description or diagnosis and designates a type specimen or element. If a taxon is later moved to a different genus, the epithet benzerlii generally remains, subject to rules on spelling and priority. The etymology of the epithet is usually stated in the original description, indicating that the name honors a person named Benzerli.

See also: eponym in taxonomy; Latinization of personal names.