Schmitti

schmitti is a Latinized specific epithet used in the scientific naming of organisms. It is not a distinct taxon on its own; rather, it appears as the second part of a binomial name, following a genus, to designate a particular species. The epithet is commonly employed to honor a person with the surname Schmitt, reflecting a tradition in taxonomy of recognizing contributors, collectors, or patrons.

Etymology and usage: the form schmitti typically indicates a masculine honoree, though the exact spelling of patronymic epithets can vary. In some cases, related forms such as schmittii may appear, depending on the original spelling chosen by the describing author and subsequent nomenclatural conventions. The choice of spelling is generally governed by the rules of Latinization in the relevant code of nomenclature.

Nomenclatural context: schmitti is used across zoological and botanical nomenclature under the respective codes (the ICZN for animals and the ICN for plants, algae, and fungi). When a species name is published, the epithet is usually retained as originally described, with later standardization applying only under specific circumstances. As a patronymic epithet, schmitti conveys no inherent information about the organism’s biology; it serves primarily as an acknowledgment within the formal name.

Overview: because schmitti appears in many different genera and higher taxa, it does not point to a single biology or group. To identify a particular species, one must refer to the full binomial name and related taxonomic literature. The broader concept is that many epithets honor individuals, with schmitti representing one common pattern of patronymic naming.