Holotypus

Holotypus, commonly referred to as holotype in English, is the single specimen designated by the author of a species’ original description to serve as the nomenclatural reference for that species. It is the primary benchmark by which the identity and name of the species are defined and verified, and it remains the ultimate reference for future comparisons.

Under the rules of zoological and botanical nomenclature, the holotype is typically deposited in a public museum, herbarium, or similar institution with complete collection data and a catalog number. If the original description did not designate a holotype, a lectotype may later be chosen from among the original material to fix the application of the name. If no original material exists, a neotype can be designated to serve as the name-bearing reference. The codes also allow the designation of additional material called paratypes, which illustrate variation but do not have the same formal status as the holotype.

A holotype is distinct from paratypes and other reference material used in the description. The holotype is the definitive specimen that anchors the species’ name; paratypes are supplementary examples cited in the original description. In modern practice, a holotype is a physical specimen, preserved under stable conditions and accessible to researchers. Digitized images and data accompany many holotypes to aid study, but the physical specimen remains the authoritative reference.

The term holotype derives from Greek roots meaning “whole” and “imprint/type”; holotypus is the Latinized form used in some taxonomic literature.