nuttallii

Nuttallii is a specific epithet used in biological nomenclature to honor the English-born American naturalist Thomas Nuttall (1789–1859), whose field work and descriptions of North American flora and fauna were influential in the 19th century. In binomial names, nuttallii follows the genus to form the species designation, and serves as a commemorative marker within both botanical and zoological taxonomies.

Etymology and orthography: The epithet nuttallii is derived from Nuttall’s surname with a Latin genitive ending (-ii), typically used to indicate that the species is named after a person. While nuttallii is a common modern form for masculine genera, historical literature may show variant spellings such as nuttalli or other transliterations, reflecting changes in taxonomic practice over time and the gender of the genus name.

Usage and context: The epithet nuttallii appears across diverse groups and taxa, particularly in plants and animals that were described in the 19th and early 20th centuries or by authors intending to honor Nuttall. The exact spelling and gender agreement can vary depending on the genus and the nomenclatural tradition of a given group. As with other patronyms, nuttallii serves primarily as a tribute embedded in scientific names rather than as a descriptive characteristic of the species.

See also: Nuttall, Thomas Nuttall, taxonomic nomenclature, patronym in scientific naming.

Notes: Because taxonomic epithets can reflect different historical conventions, some sources may list alternate forms or older spellings. The standard modern form in many contemporary usages remains nuttallii, especially for masculine genera, while deviations may occur in legacy records.