ruskeana

Ruskeana is a Latinized species epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms. It is attached to a genus name to form a full binomial designation and is not a standalone taxon. The epithet typically signals an association with a place or person named Ruske or Ruskea, or it may honor an individual bearing a related surname.

Formation and gender are governed by Latin grammar and nomenclature practice. The ending -ana is a feminine singular adjectival form, so ruskeana is used with feminine-gendered genera. For masculine or neuter genera, related forms such as ruskeanus or ruskeanum may be employed, depending on the gender of the genus name. The choice follows the conventions of the relevant nomenclature codes (for animals, the ICZN; for plants, algae, and fungi, the ICN).

Usage and scope: As an epithet, ruskeana can appear in botanical, zoological, and mycological names whenever a describer wishes to indicate geographic origin or to honor a person associated with Ruske or Ruskea. The exact meaning therefore depends on the associated genus and the publication in which the name was established. Without the full binomial, ruskeana alone does not identify a specific taxon.

Etymology notes: The epithet is Latinized and kept in its standard form in formal usage, with adjustments only as required by Latin agreement rules.

See also: Latin adjectival epithets, International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.