rufovillosum

Rufovillosum is not a standalone taxon but a Latin adjectival epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms to describe a reddish, hairy or woolly appearance. As an epithet, it accompanies a genus name to form a binomial name and does not by itself identify a single group.

Etymology and form: The term combines rufus (red) and villosus (hairy or woolly). The epithet exists in gendered Latin forms, with rufovillosum being the neuter form used to agree with neuter genus names or when treated as a descriptive modifier.

Taxonomic usage: Epithets such as rufovillosum appear across multiple kingdoms and are common in flora, fungi, and fauna. Their repeated use in unrelated lineages reflects similar observable traits rather than close evolutionary relationships. The epithet is governed by the relevant nomenclatural codes (ICZN for animals, ICN for plants and fungi), requiring correct Latinization, gender agreement, unique combination within a genus, and adherence to priority rules.

Nomenclatural notes: If a species is moved to a different genus, the epithet generally remains the same unless gender agreement or homonymy with an existing name mandates modification. The full binomial name, including the authority, should be consulted for precise taxonomic status and history.

For researchers seeking a specific organism with the epithet rufovillosum, the genus name is necessary. Taxonomic databases such as IPNI, ZooBank, or The Plant List (and their successors) provide authoritative references to confirm the current binomial and its citation.