lyrata

Lyrata is not a distinct genus or taxon. It is a Latin-based species epithet that appears in the scientific names of numerous organisms, functioning as an adjective to describe a feature of the species.

Etymology and form: The epithet lyrata derives from Latin lyra, meaning lyre. The form lyrata is feminine, with masculine lyratus and neuter lyratum used to agree with the gender of the genus name in botanical and zoological nomenclature.

Usage in biology: In botany and zoology, lyrata is used where a species exhibits a lyre-like feature. In plants, this can refer to leaf shapes, petal outlines, or other anatomical traits that resemble a lyre. In animals, it may describe shell, carapace, or other structural contours that evoke a lyre.

Taxonomic role: Lyrata is a descriptive epithet rather than a standalone taxon. It occurs across multiple genera and higher groups, contributing to species names but not indicating a single lineage or clade. The epithet is always written in lowercase and is typically considered part of the species’ full scientific name when cited.

Notes: Because many unrelated organisms may bear the epithet lyrata, the term alone does not identify a particular species. In scholarly work, the context is provided by the genus name and the full binomial designation.

See also: Lyra, Lyre, Lyrate.