larvatus

Larvatus is a Latin adjective used in biological nomenclature as an epithet in the scientific names of organisms. Derived from the Latin larva, the term typically conveys a relation to larval form or to a mask or veil, depending on the context of the original description. In taxonomy, epithets like larvatus are traditional and descriptive rather than indicative of a universal property across species.

The interpretation of larvatus varies by taxon and author. In some cases, it may refer to species known primarily from larvae, or to a larval-like appearance in the adult. In other cases, it may allude to a mask-like pattern, coloration, or other distinctive markings that suggested a “masked” look to the describer. Because Latin epithets are historical remnants of the naming event, the presence of larvatus in a name does not imply uniform characteristics across related species or individuals.

In modern practice, the use of such epithets is governed by codes of nomenclature (ICZN for animals; ICN for algae, fungi, and plants), which require accurate description and published naming. The form and gender agreement of larvatus follows Latin grammar to match the gender of the genus name.

See also: Latin in binomial nomenclature; Latin adjectives used in taxonomy; type specimen.