unappendiculatus

Unappendiculatus is a Latin-derived species epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms. In binomial nomenclature, the epithet accompanies a genus name to form the species’ full name.

Etymology and meaning: The form derives from Latin un- (not) and appendiculatus (bearing small appendages). As such, unappendiculatus indicates that the described organism lacks or has reduced small appendages relative to related forms. The epithet is masculine; feminine and neuter forms include unappendiculata and unappendiculatum to agree with the gender of the genus.

Taxonomic usage: It is not a taxon itself, but a descriptive specific epithet used across multiple, often unrelated, genera in plants, fungi, and animals. The exact diagnostic characters associated with unappendiculatus vary by species and must be read in the original descriptions.

Nomenclatural notes: The epithet can appear in many different genera; each occurrence refers to a separate species. As with other Latin epithets, its use is governed by the codes of nomenclature (ICN for algae, fungi, and plants; ICZN for animals).

See also: Latin binomials, Nomenclature, Appendage.