pensylvanicus

Pensylvanicus is an epithet used in the binomial names of living organisms to indicate a connection to Pennsylvania. In formal scientific writing, the correct spelling is pennsylvanicus, with two consecutive n's; pensylvanicus is a common misspelling or variant encountered in some sources. The epithet is derived from the name of the U.S. state and is employed across multiple taxa to denote origin or association with Pennsylvania.

One of the best-known examples is Gryllus pennsylvanicus, the American field cricket. This insect is native to eastern North America and is widespread in fields, meadows, and grassy habitats. It is nocturnal and known for the characteristic chirping produced by males by rubbing their wings together. The species is a model organism in studies of insect acoustics and ecology and plays a role in local food webs as both a consumer and prey.

In taxonomy, pennsylvanicus (and its variants) appear in plant and animal names beyond Gryllus, reflecting historical naming by early collectors and taxonomists who described Pennsylvania or related regions. Modern nomenclature emphasizes the correct spelling and uniform formatting, with the epithet always in lowercase and the genus capitalized, and the entire binomial italicized.