arcticus

Arcticus is a Latin-derived adjective used in scientific naming to denote Arctic or northern characteristics. In taxonomy it is typically part of a binomial species name, not a standalone taxon. As a specific epithet, arcticus appears in many animal and plant names to indicate Arctic distribution or traits associated with northern regions.

Etymology and grammar: arcticus comes from Latin, meaning “of the Arctic” or “northern.” In Latin-based taxonomy, the ending of the epithet changes to agree with the gender of the genus name, so you may see arcticus (masculine), arctica (feminine), or arcticum (neuter) depending on the genus.

Usage in biology: The epithet arcticus is widely used across kingdoms to highlight geographic origin, habitat, or morphological features linked to northern environments. It is a common marker in regional naming, and its meaning is typically evident when linked to Arctic or northern contexts.

Notable examples: Several well-known species carry the arcticus epithet. Sorex arcticus refers to the Arctic shrew, Lepus arcticus to the Arctic hare, and Picea arctica denotes the Arctic spruce. These usages illustrate how arcticus functions as a geographic or ecological indicator within scientific nomenclature.

Limitations: The epithet alone does not specify exact range or taxonomy and may reflect historical naming rather than current distribution. Taxonomic revisions can change genus or species boundaries, so consulting current databases is advisable for precise classification.

See also: Arctic, binomial nomenclature, Latin in scientific naming.