artsnavn

Artsnavn (literally "species name") is a term used in several Scandinavian languages to refer to the name assigned to a biological species. It can denote either the scientific name as used in biological nomenclature (the binomial combination of genus and specific epithet) or the vernacular name used in everyday language, depending on context.

Scientific artsnavn follow international codes of nomenclature — for animals the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), for plants the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (ICN) — and are Latinized, unique within a genus, and cited as two parts (e.g., Homo sapiens). The specific epithet alone is not unique across genera and normally is written lowercase and in italics together with the genus name. Scientific names aim for stability, universality and priority based on formal description.

Vernacular artsnavn vary by language, region and tradition; they are not regulated by international codes and may refer to different taxa in different places. National authorities, checklists and databases often work to standardize common names for communication, conservation and education.

Usage of the term artsnavn therefore spans taxonomic, legal and cultural contexts, and understanding which sense (scientific or common) is intended requires attention to context and local practices. Databases, field guides and museum collections commonly list both scientific and vernacular artsnavn for clarity.