Lectotypification

Lectotypification is the process of designating a lectotype for a species name when the original material used by the author of the name is no longer available, or when the original publication included multiple elements that could serve as the type. A lectotype is a specimen selected from the original material to serve as the definitive representative of the taxon name. This process is crucial for taxonomic stability and ensuring that a species name is unambiguously linked to a specific organism.

The need for lectotypification arises when the original publication of a name is unclear or when multiple syntypes exist. Syntypes are specimens cited in the original description of a taxon. If no single specimen was explicitly designated as the type at the time of publication, any of these syntypes can potentially serve as a lectotype. The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) provides detailed rules and recommendations for lectotypification.

The process typically involves a taxonomist identifying potential syntypes and then formally designating one of them as the lectotype in a published work. This designation must be unambiguous and clearly indicate which specimen is being chosen. Once a lectotype is designated, it becomes the ultimate reference for the application of the species name. This ensures that future researchers use the name consistently and correctly, preventing confusion and taxonomic instability. Lectotypification is a vital part of maintaining a stable and universally understood system of biological nomenclature.