Iridescens

Iridescens is a Latin adjective used in biological nomenclature as the species epithet to indicate iridescence or rainbow-like coloration. It is not a taxon in itself, but a descriptive element attached to a genus name in the binomial name of a species.

The term derives from Latin iridescere, meaning to become iridescent, which in turn relates to iris, the rainbow. In taxonomic practice, iridescens is treated as a descriptive epithet describing a notable surface appearance—such as a shimmering plumage, shell, or scale—that changes color with light and angle.

As with other Latin epithets, iridescens is combined with a genus name to form the full scientific name of a species. The form of the epithet may vary to agree with the gender, number, and case of the genus, in accordance with Latin grammar. Because it is a descriptive term, many unrelated organisms across different groups may bear the epithet iridescens if they display iridescent features.

In usage, iridescens signals a visual characteristic rather than a taxonomic relationship. It reflects descriptive taxonomy based on morphology and coloration observed by the describer at the time of naming. The epithet is common in both zoological and botanical contexts, illustrating how coloration and surface quality often influence species descriptions and naming conventions.

See also: iridescence, iridescent coloration.