Paratype

Paratype is a term used in biological classification to refer to a specimen that is not the holotype but serves as a substitute for it. A holotype is the single specimen upon which the description and name of a new species or subspecies are based. If the holotype is lost, destroyed, or otherwise unavailable, a paratype can be designated to represent the original description.

Paratypes are specimens that were also examined by the author at the time of description but are not the holotype. They are crucial for understanding the variation within a species. While the holotype is the definitive reference, paratypes provide valuable information about the morphological range and distribution of the described taxon.

The designation of paratypes is important for taxonomic stability. If a holotype is later found to be misidentified or unsuitable, a paratype can be selected as a neotype, which is a specimen subsequently designated to serve as the type specimen of an otherwise unavailable type. This ensures that the name can be unambiguously applied to a specific organism. In essence, paratypes are supplementary type specimens that help to solidify and clarify the identity of a species.