Holcusmurinus

Holcusmurinus is a binomial name that has been applied to various organisms, leading to ambiguity and potential confusion in scientific literature. Historically, it was used by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 Systema Naturae to describe a species of rodent. However, the exact identity and taxonomic placement of Linnaeus's Holcusmurinus have been debated and are now generally considered a nomen dubium, a name of uncertain application.

Over time, the name Holcusmurinus has been mistakenly or provisionally applied to different rodent species, particularly within the family Muridae. This has resulted in its appearance in older taxonomic keys and field guides, often referring to what are now recognized as distinct genera or species. For instance, it has been associated with certain species of mice or rats found in Europe and Asia.

Modern taxonomy relies on precise definitions and type specimens to avoid such ambiguities. Due to the lack of a clear and universally accepted type specimen for Linnaeus's Holcusmurinus, and the varied historical usages, the name is not reliably used in contemporary zoological classifications. Researchers typically refer to the specific, currently accepted scientific names of the rodents in question to ensure clarity and accuracy in their work. Therefore, when encountering Holcusmurinus in older texts, careful cross-referencing with modern taxonomic databases is essential to determine the intended organism.