nuttalli

Nuttalli is a taxonomic epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms to honor the English-born American naturalist Thomas Nuttall (1789–1859). In biological nomenclature, such patronyms are common, and the exact ending of the epithet varies with the genus and Latin grammar, resulting in forms such as nuttalli or nuttallii in different taxa. The epithet indicates a nomenclatural tribute rather than a description of a species’ appearance or ecology.

Nuttalli appears across multiple taxonomic groups, including plants, animals, and fungi, reflecting Nuttall's broad contributions to natural history. Because it is not a taxon in itself, its use and prevalence depend on the taxonomists who described particular species. When encountered, the epithet is always part of a binomial (or trinomial in subspecies) scientific name, and its meaning is historical rather than biological.

Notable patterns in the use of nuttalli-like epithets include its role in commemorating early North American field work by Nuttall, who studied flora and fauna across the United States and parts of Canada. In some lineages, the spelling nuttallii is preferred for masculine or certain generic endings, while nuttalli appears in others. For readers, the key point is that nuttalli denotes a tribute to Nuttall rather than a distinct taxon.

See also: Nuttall, a surname; taxonomic patronyms; examples of species named after people.