The Lectotype of Bruchus julianus1

Abstract

In a recent paper (Johnson 1968), I designated a specimen in the Academy of Natural Sciences (ANS), Philadelphia, Pa., as lectotype for Bruchus Julianas Horn, the type-species for the genus Merobruchus Bridwell. However, after publication of my paper, H. B. Leech of the California Academy of Sciences (CAS), San Francisco, Calif., informed me that 3 syntypes of B. julianus were deposited in the CAS collection and sent them to me for examination. Two have “San Ignacio” labels, while the third has a “San Julio” label attached. After his original description Horn (1894: 410) stated: “Occurs in Texas. San Julio and San Ignacio.” On p. 306, he indicated San Julio and San Ignacio were collection sites in Baja California, Mexico. The specimen in the ANS was designated as lectotype because it bears the label “Tex,” apparently a syntype according to Horn's statement just quoted. Mr. Leech pointed out a statement by Horn (1894: 360) which proves my earlier conclusion to be untrue. Horn wrote: “In every instance in which a species is described from the series in the collection of the Academy (CAS) the type is the specimen or specimens making part of that collection.” Although Horn apparently examined a specimen or specimens from Texas before describing this species, the statement just quoted leaves no doubt that the specimens he considered to be types are in the CAS and the “Tex” specimen in the ANS cannot be considered as a syntype. Therefore my designation (Johnson 1968:1269) is invalid according to Article 74 a, i, International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.