topotypes

A topotype is a specimen of an animal or plant species that comes from the type locality. The type locality is the geographical place where a specimen was originally collected and described. Topotypes are important for taxonomic studies as they provide additional data about the variation of a species within its original known range.

While the holotype is the single, original specimen upon which a species description is based, topotypes are subsequent specimens collected from the same place. They help to confirm the identity of the species and to understand its morphological and genetic variability. The concept of topotype is particularly relevant in zoology and botany, where precise geographical origin is crucial for species delimitation.

When a species is described, the location of the holotype is documented as the type locality. If researchers later collect more specimens from this exact location, these new specimens are referred to as topotypes. These additional samples can be invaluable for confirming that the original description accurately represents the species as it exists in its native habitat. They can also highlight intraspecific variation, such as differences in size, color, or other traits, that might not have been apparent from the single holotype.