vestitus

Vestitus is a Latin adjective meaning clothed or dressed. In biological nomenclature, vestitus commonly appears as a species epithet in zoological and botanical names. The epithet usually refers to a feature that makes the organism appear covered or ornamented by hair, scales, wool, or other surface coverings, or conveys a sense of clothing-like appearance. As with many Latin descriptors, vestitus must agree in gender with the genus name: vestitus (masculine), vestita (feminine), or vestitum (neuter).

Origin and grammatical notes: vestitus derives from vestis, clothing, and the participle form of vestire, to clothe. In naming, epithets are typically written in lowercase and may be adjectives, participles, or, less commonly, nouns used in apposition. The forms must conform to the rules of Latin grammar used by the relevant nomenclature codes. In zoology, the ICZN governs usage; in botany, the ICN governs usage. Both codes require correct agreement and generic capitalization practices.

Usage in taxonomy: the epithet vestitus appears across diverse groups, including insects, arachnids, flowering plants, and other organisms, signaling a diagnostic trait related to surface coverage or appearance. It is not a standalone taxon; rather, it is part of binomial or trinomial names that describe individual species or subspecies.

See also: Latin in binomial nomenclature; gender agreement of adjectives; epithet in taxonomy.