spp

spp. is the standard abbreviation used in scientific writing to denote the plural form of species within a genus. It derives from the Latin word species and is used when a text refers to multiple species under the same genus without listing them individually. The singular form is sp., used for a single species, such as Panthera leo.

In practice, the genus name is written in full and italicized, followed by the abbreviation spp. (not italicized). Examples include Quercus spp. to indicate multiple oak species, or Panthera spp. to indicate more than one species of the big cats. When the exact species are known, authors may substitute specific binomials, e.g., Quercus robur or Panthera leo.

spp. commonly appears in flora and fauna lists, biodiversity assessments, ecological summaries, and field guides. It signals breadth rather than precision, allowing researchers to discuss a group without committing to a fixed set of species. Because it does not specify how many species are included, readers should interpret it as “one or more species within this genus.”

Notes on usage: the abbreviation is widely accepted in taxonomy and is compatible with formal naming conventions, though journal and publisher guidelines may vary on formatting (such as italicization of the genus and non-italicization of spp.). When precision is required, authors should enumerate the species or provide a clearly defined scope.