maccoyii

Maccoyii is a Latinized specific epithet used in biological nomenclature to honor individuals with the surname McCoy. In binomial names, the epithet maccoyii follows a genus name and is written in lowercase, with the full species name typically italicized in scientific writing (for example, Genus maccoyii). The suffix -ii is a common Latin genitive form indicating that the species is named after a person.

The exact identity of the person honored by a given maccoyii epithet is determined in the original species description. Because multiple researchers may independently name new species after different individuals named McCoy, there is not a single taxon universally known as “maccoyii.” Instead, the epithet appears in various, unrelated taxa across different groups such as animals, plants, or fungi, each with its own genus and classification.

Etymologically, maccoyii follows standard conventions for patronyms in taxonomy, where masculine honorees are often commemorated with -ii. Other gendered or plural forms such as -ae or -orum may be used in related contexts, but maccoyii specifically designates a male or otherwise masculine honoree when used in zoological or botanical names.

In use, maccoyii functions as a species-level identifier rather than as a standalone term. To determine the exact taxon, habitat, and characteristics associated with a particular maccoyii, one must consult the original species description and subsequent taxonomic literature for the relevant genus.