latirostris

Latirostris is a Latin-derived specific epithet used in biological nomenclature to describe a species with a broad snout. It is not a genus or a standalone taxon, but a descriptive term that accompanies a genus name in a binomial or trinomial species name.

Etymology

The epithet originates from lati- meaning "broad" and rostris from rostrum, meaning "snout." As a descriptive Latin adjective, latirostris conveys a morphological trait of the species to which it is attached.

Taxonomic usage

In taxonomy, latirostris is employed across diverse animal groups, including fishes, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates. The epithet signals a broad snout relative to related species and is not restricted to a single lineage. Because it is a descriptive term, multiple, unrelated species in different genera may bear the same epithet.

Nomenclatural notes

As with other Latin adjectives in species names, latirostris must agree with the gender of the genus it accompanies. Taxonomic revisions can move a species to a different genus, but the epithet often remains, resulting in new combinations such as genus latirostris.

Significance

The use of descriptive epithets like latirostris reflects historical morphological descriptions and serves as a shorthand reference to distinguishing features. Epithets help convey notable traits without implying close phylogenetic relationships.

See also

Binomial nomenclature; Latin grammar in taxonomy; species epithet.