variata

Variata is a Latin adjective meaning varied or diverse. In biological taxonomy, variata is used as an epithet in scientific names to signal a natural variation within a species, rather than to designate a distinct species. It is not a formal taxonomic rank; the standard rank to designate intraspecific diversity is varietas (variety), typically abbreviated var. The epithet variata may appear in species or infraspecific names and can be combined with ranks such as var. variata in older or historical texts. In botany and mycology, the practice of using varietal epithets is common, whereas in zoology, the modern code tends to avoid such epithets in favor of clearer ranks.

The term reflects the descriptive intent of the name, describing morphology, color, habit, or other variable traits observed in some populations. The form variata must agree in gender with the genus name (e.g., variata in a feminine genus, variatus in a masculine genus, variatum in a neuter genus).

Etymology: from varius, meaning varied.

See also: Variety (botany), Varietas, Taxonomy, Nomenclature, Latin in scientific names.