Obstaculata

Obstaculata is a Latin feminine adjective commonly used as a species epithet in the scientific names of organisms across multiple taxonomic groups. In taxonomy, such epithets are descriptive and are chosen by the describer to convey a notable feature, appearance, or association observed in the species. The term obstaculata roughly translates to obstructed or hindered, but the exact trait it refers to can vary from one taxon to another.

Etymology and form: The epithet derives from Latin obstaculum, meaning obstacle or barrier. In binomial nomenclature, the ending -ata is the feminine form, used to agree with feminine genus names. Masculine and neuter equivalents would be obstaculatus and obstaculum, respectively, depending on the gender of the genus.

Taxonomic usage and interpretation: The epithet obstaculata has been applied to a range of organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi. Because it is descriptive rather than standardized, the specific meaning of obstaculata in any given species depends on the original description and diagnostic characters noted by the author who named the species. It may reference a morphological feature that appears blocked or constricted, or it could relate to a particular habit, habitat, or accumulation of material observed in the organism.

See also: Latin in biological nomenclature, list of Latin adjectives used in scientific names, species epithet.

Note: As with many taxonomic epithets, obstaculata does not imply a universal trait shared by all species bearing the name; each usage must be interpreted in the context of its formal species description.