catesbeiana

Catesbeiana refers to a taxonomic epithet often used in scientific names of species, particularly plants and animals, in honor of the English naturalist Mark Catesby. Catesby (1683–1749) was an early explorer and naturalist who spent significant time in the Americas, producing detailed observations and illustrations of the flora and fauna he encountered. His seminal work, "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands," published in two volumes between 1731 and 1743, was one of the first comprehensive accounts of North American wildlife and plants and was highly influential.

When a species is named with the epithet catesbeiana, it signifies that the species was likely described by a naturalist who wished to commemorate Catesby's contributions to natural history. For example, the scientific name of the broad-winged hawk is Buteo platypterus, but a subspecies is sometimes referred to as Buteo platypterus catesbyi, indicating a specific population or distinct form noted in relation to Catesby's work or geographical area he studied. Similarly, various plant species may carry this epithet, reflecting Catesby's botanical surveys. The use of catesbeiana serves as a direct link to the historical exploration and documentation of the natural world by one of its pioneering figures.