guttatum

Guttatum is a Latin neuter adjective used as a specific epithet in biological nomenclature. In species names, guttatum typically conveys a description of appearance, most often indicating a spotted, speckled, or droplet-like pattern on the organism.

Etymology and form: The epithet derives from the Latin noun gutta, meaning a drop or spot. In binomial nomenclature, adjectives agree with the gender of the genus: guttatus (masculine), guttata (feminine), and guttatum (neuter). The form used in a given species name depends on the grammatical gender of the associated genus.

Taxonomic usage: Guttatum is not a taxon by itself but a descriptive epithet applied to numerous species across different genera in both zoological and botanical nomenclature. The same epithet can occur in unrelated groups, reflecting a similar appearance rather than any close relationship between the organisms.

Interpretation and limitations: While guttatum often signals a mottled or spotted pattern, the precise meaning may vary by species and description. Historic naming practices or local variation can influence how the trait is interpreted, so the epithet should be understood in the context of the original species description.

Governing codes: The use of guttatum follows the rules of the relevant nomenclatural codes (the ICZN for animals and the ICN for plants). As with other epithets, it is used to form a binomial name in combination with a genus, and its use is independent of any single taxon.

See also: guttatus, guttata, gutta.