arnottianus

Arnottianus is a Latin adjectival species epithet used in the scientific names of organisms. It is formed from the surname Arnott with the standard Latin suffix -ianus, meaning “belonging to Arnott” or “of Arnott.” The epithet is typically intended as an honorific, recognizing individuals with the surname Arnott, often those who contributed to science. The exact person commemorated can vary with different taxonomic descriptions, and in some cases may honor a member of the Arnott family or a related figure such as the botanist George Arnott Walker-Arnott.

As a species epithet, arnottianus appears across diverse taxonomic groups and is not confined to a single genus or lineage. It can be found in plants, fungi, animals, and other organisms where the taxonomist who described the species chose to honor someone named Arnott. Because the epithet is not tied to a particular biological trait, its presence provides historical context rather than information about the organism’s ecology or morphology.

For researchers and readers, arnottianus is best approached as a historical and nomenclatural marker. When identifying a species with this epithet, it is important to consult the original publication of the binomial name and relevant taxonomic databases to determine the intended honoree and the current validity of the name, as species concepts and classifications can change over time.

See also: Arnott (surname); George Arnott Walker-Arnott; binomial nomenclature; taxonomic etymology.