meticulosus

Meticulosus is a Latin adjective used as a species epithet in binomial nomenclature. It is not a taxon in itself, but a descriptive element appended to a genus name to form a species designation across various groups, including plants, fungi, and animals.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin meticulosus, typically glossed as fearful or overly cautious, and it has contributed to the development of the English adjective meticulous. In taxonomy, the epithet often carries historical or descriptive connotations rather than implying a shared lineage.

Taxonomic usage: In taxonomy, epithets are Latin or Latinized adjectives or participles that agree in gender with the genus. The masculine form meticulosus is used with masculine genera, the feminine meticulosa with feminine genera, and the neuter meticulosum with neuter genera. The choice of epithet is at the describer’s discretion and may reference morphology, behavior, habitat, or honor a person or place.

Notes: Because epithets are frequently chosen for descriptive, commemorative, or editorial reasons, the intended meaning of a given meticulosus cannot always be inferred from the name alone. The epithet functions as part of the scientific name rather than as a separate taxonomic unit. See also binomial nomenclature and the use of Latin adjectives in taxonomy.