urbicum

urbicum is the neuter singular form of the Latin adjective urbanus, meaning “of the city” or “urban.” In scientific naming, urbicum is used as a species epithet in binomial nomenclature. The form agrees with the gender of the genus: urbicum accompanies neuter genera, urbicus with masculine genera, and urbana with feminine genera.

Usage and interpretation in taxonomy: The epithet urbicum commonly indicates some association with urban environments, such as the habitat or locality near a city, or a characteristic tied to urbanization, as described in the original taxonomic publication. However, the precise rationale for the name is determined by the describer in the type description, and the same epithet can appear in otherwise unrelated groups.

Etymology and grammar: Urbicum, urbanus, urbana derive from urbs, the Latin word for city. Because Latin adjectives must agree in gender with the genus, the neuter form urbicum is appropriate for neuter-named taxa, while other gendered forms may be used for masculine or feminine genera.

Notes for researchers: When encountering a species epithet such as urbicum, consulting the original species description is the best way to understand the intended meaning—whether it reflects habitat, proximity to a particular urban locality, or another associated attribute.

See also: urbanus, urbana, Latin grammar in taxonomy, binomial nomenclature.