symbolicus

Symbolicus is a Latin adjective used in biological nomenclature as a species epithet. It does not denote a standalone taxon; rather, it forms part of a two-part scientific name (binomial name) for organisms, alongside a genus. The epithet is found across diverse groups, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and is chosen by the taxonomist to convey some symbolic association, emblem, or notable connection related to the species or its discovery.

In zoological and botanical naming, symbolicus as a specific epithet is not capitalized and must agree in gender with the genus name (for example, symbolicus for masculine, symbolica for feminine, symbolicum for neuter). The underlying meaning derives from Latin, where symbolum means symbol; the suffix -icus forms an adjective meaning “pertaining to” or “characteristic of.” As such, many unrelated genera may host a species bearing the epithet symbolicus, reflecting a symbolic attribute rather than any shared biology.

Etymologically, symbolicus reflects the broader practice in scientific naming of using Latin or Latinized words to capture a distinctive trait or homage. While not tied to a particular lineage, the epithet appears in taxonomic literature wherever authors elect to highlight a symbolic aspect associated with a species.

See also: taxonomy, binomial nomenclature, Latin in biological nomenclature.