Nomen Oblitum Research Articles

The discovery and naming of the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) after 1793, with details of the Rhinoceros Sumatricus of Bertuch (1805) and Wilhelm (1808)

There was a considerable gap of 21 years between the illustrated description of a specimen of the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) by William Bell in 1793 and the proposal to accept it as a named new species by Gotthelf Fischer in 1814. In the meantime some 17 authors reported the possibility that the animal should be regarded as a new species. Hitherto overlooked, the German writer Friedrich Justin Bertuch used a new name in the caption to a reproduction of Bell’s plate, as Rhinoceros bicornis Sumatricus. This was published in 1805 in a second edition of his “Bilderbuch für Kinder”, a serial magazine aimed at young people. This work has an extremely complex bibliography through many re-issues and translations, which is only partly resolved. The same name in the combination Rhinoceros Sumatricus was included by Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm in a companion to the “Bilderbuch” available in 1808. The complicated circumstances of Bertuch’s proposal in 1805 and his unusual usage of a trinomen lead to the suggestion that his book might not be consistently binominal, making the name unavailable. The naming by Wilhelm in 1808 is straightforward and correct, hence Rhinoceros sumatricus Wilhelm, 1808 is an available name and a senior objective synonym of Rhinoceros sumatrensis G. Fischer, 1814. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature allows the suggestion that Wilhelm’s name was a nomen oblitum (forgotten name). The various plates of the rhinoceros found in the “Bilderbuch” by Bertuch and the “Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte” are figured and explained.

A journey through the history of the British Chrysididae (Hymenoptera): unexpected taxonomic problems, new records and description of a new species

ABSTRACT An overview on the history of the British cuckoo wasps is presented. Some very old publications dealing with this fauna have fallen into oblivion, along with the description of some taxa. In the present paper I discuss these taxa and other species observed in museum collections. The species formerly identified as Cleptes semicyaneus Tournier, 1879 was found in England and Scotland. This species was misidentified in the literature and it is here described as Cleptes britannicorum Rosa, sp. n. Three new synonymies are proposed: Chrysis politus Harris, 1776 syn. n. of Omalus aeneus (Fabricius, 1787); Chrysis curax Harris, 1776 syn. n. of Trichrysis cyanea (Linnaeus, 1758); Chrysis variegata Curtis, 1837 nec Olivier, 1790 syn. n. of Chrysis leachii Shuckard, 1837. The lectotype of Chrysis lucidula Fabricius, 1775 (type species of the genus Hedychrum Latreille, 1802) is designated. Chrysis aenea Fabricius, 1787 is considered a nomen protectum and Chrysis politus Harris, 1776 a nomen oblitum. A discussion on nomina nuda and nomina dubia found in historical publications is given. In the context of British fauna, Chrysis rutilans Olivier, 1790 is considered regionally extinct, and the presence of Chrysis mediadentata Linsenmaier, 1951 and Pseudomalus triangulifer (Abeille de Perrin, 1877) in England is reported for the first time. The following species recently added to the British fauna are considered native because they were present in the UK in the nineteenth century and can be traced in historical collections: Elampus konowi (du Buysson, 1892); Hedychridium caputaureum (Trautmann and Trautmann, 1919); C. corusca Valkeila, 1971; C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968; C. terminata Dahlbom, 1854; and Chrysis mediadentata Linsenmaier, 1951. It is also confirmed, based on historical data, that Holopyga generosa (Förster, 1853) and Hedychrum nobile (Scopoli, 1763) have recently expanded their distributional limits, making their presence in England evident only in the last few decades. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1273ADDE-3EFF-4CA5-8C4E-A2F5FFDBB6E7

Conservation of Coluber lanceolatus as the valid name of the Martinique fer-de-lance (no matter who its author is)

The fer-de-lance of Martinique is a pitviper of medical importance and conservation concern. It was described by La Cepède in 1789 as Coluber lanceolatus but as a result of a ruling of the Commission (Opinion 1463) this nomen is unavailable. Although a proposed new use of the Plenary Power by the Commission could restore the availability of Coluber lanceolatus La Cepède, 1789, this possibility remains hypothetical and under the Code-compliant interpretation, C. lanceolatus was made available by Bonnaterre in 1790 who proposed a homonymous poieonym. Coluber lanceolatus, which, as Bothrops lanceolatus, is currently universally accepted as the valid nomen of the fer-de-lance, is at risk because of the existence of two older nomina that apply to this taxon, Vipera cærulescens Laurenti, 1768 and its replacement name Coluber glaucus Gmelin, 1789. Consequently, we here provide the evidence necessary to demonstrate that Vipera cærulescens and Coluber glaucus are nomina oblita and to designate Coluber lanceolatus, under both the current proposed interpretations of its authorship, as a nomen protectum. Coluber lanceolatus Bonnaterre, 1790 has precedence over Coluber brasiliensis and C. tigrinus, two nomina with which it is considered synonymous and which were made available in the same work. However, precedence was established as a result of determination by the First Reviser only as recently as 2021. The case of Bothrops lanceolatus highlights that even well-established and widely accepted nomina may be potentially vulnerable to destabilisation by long-forgotten synonyms and illustrates the particular nomenclatural complications that can arise from valid Bonnaterre nomina that are homonymous with long-used but now unavailable La Cepède names.

Protected taxonomic status and lectotype designation for Holochila albosericea Miskin, 1891 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

The well-known Australian lycaenid butterfly, Candalides albosericea (Miskin, 1891), is a junior subjective synonym of Holochila caeruleolactea T.P. Lucas, 1891, which has not been used as a valid name after 1899. To protect the stability of the younger, but widely used name, the older and virtually unknown Holochila caeruleolactea (i.e., the senior subjective synonym) is suppressed under Article 23.9.2 of the Fourth Edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. By this action, Holochila albosericea Miskin, 1891 becomes a nomen protectum and Holochila caeruleolactea T.P. Lucas, 1891 a nomen oblitum. Lectotypes are designated for Holochila albosericea Miskin, 1891 and Holochila caeruleolactea T.P. Lucas, 1891, respectively.

A nomenclatural review of family-group names in the Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera)

The Tettigoniidae is the largest and most complex family within the Orthoptera, and perhaps expectedly, its systematic arrangement is largely unsatisfactory. Recent phylogenetic studies within the group have been almost wholly at odds with traditional morphological classification, and it is clear that a great number of changes will be made to the family in the near future. To remove the element of nomenclatural uncertainty that will inevitably arise with such dramatic changes, I here provide a complete annotated list of all family-group names proposed within the Tettigoniidae in explicit order of priority. I provide details of the authorship, availability, current validity, current rank(s) and name(s), type genus, stem, and parent taxon of each of the 182 proposed family-group names, of which 171 represent available names. I also make several nomenclatural changes, the most significant of which is the replacement of available but informal groupings (e.g. species groups) with formal tribes, subtribes, and infratribes. Other major changes are the replacement of Nedubini syn. nov. with Apteropedetini stat. nov., the replacement of Eumegalodontina (unavailable name) with Lesinina stat. nov., and the designation of Acanthodidae as nomen oblitum with respect to Pleminiae (nomen protectum). To reduce confusion in future, I recommend that all new family-group names be clearly proposed as new, with a correct rank, stem, suffix, and diagnosis, that informal groupings are explicitly proposed as informal, and that formal names are used and proposed in place of informal names wherever possible. I additionally propose that the suffixes -iti and -ita be used for all supertribe and infratribe rankings within the Tettigoniidae. Finally, I discuss the various names that have been used for taxa between the ranks of family and subfamily, with the recommendation that informal ‘group’ and ‘clade’ names with unambiguous suffixes are formed from available subfamily names.

An integrative taxonomic revision of the Trimeresurus popeiorum group of pitvipers (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) with descriptions of two new species from the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract Despite recent progress in our understanding of diversity within the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804, the subgenus Popeia Malhotra & Thorpe, 2004, distributed across most parts of East and Southeast Asia, remains taxonomically challenging. We applied an integrative taxonomic approach including analyses of morphological data and four mitochondrial genes (12S and 16S rRNA, cytochrome b, and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4), along with examination of available type material, to address longstanding taxonomic questions in one clade within Popeia, the T. popeiorum group, and reveal a high level of hidden diversity of these snakes in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. We confirm that T. popeiorum Smith, 1937 sensu stricto is restricted to Northeast India, eastern Nepal, southern Bhutan, southeastern Bangladesh, western Yunnan Province (China), and northern and southwestern Myanmar. We further confirm that the recently described species T. yingjiangensis Chen et al., 2019 is a junior synonym of T. popeiorum. In addition, we discovered that the combination Trimesurus [sic] elegans Gray, 1853 is a valid senior synonym of T. popeiorum and threatens the stability of the latter taxon. Therefore, in order to protect the nomen popeiorum and in accordance with Article 23.9 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, we regard the taxon Trimesurus elegans as a nomen oblitum and render Trimeresurus popeiorum a nomen protectum. Examination of a larger series of specimens allows us to describe two new cryptic species of Trimeresurus from the Indo-Burma Region. This study brings the total number of species in the subgenus Popeia to six and also suggests that the subspecific taxonomy of the T. sabahi complex requires further investigation. We urge adequate actions regarding the conservation of the newly discovered species and recommend further studies on their toxicology.

<em>Chrysis fuscipennis</em> or <em>Chrysis angolensis</em>? An answer with new synonymies, a new combination and species resurrected (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)

All species of the Chrysis angolensis group were synonymised with C. angolensis Radoszkovsky, 1881, excluding Chrysis diademata Mocsáry, 1889, endemic of the Philippines. However, after the study of type materials, four species are herein resurrected: Chrysis callaina Gribodo, 1884 stat. reviv., C. erratica Abeille de Perrin and du Buysson in du Buysson, 1887 stat. reviv., C. mossulensis Abeille de Perrin and du Buysson in du Buysson, 1887 stat. reviv., C. sulcifera Bischoff, 1910 stat. reviv. New synonymies are proposed for the following taxa: C. szalayana Mocsáry, 1912 n. syn. and C. ukerewensis Mocsáry, 1914, n. syn. of C. callaina Gribodo, 1884; Chrysis janthina Smith, 1874 n. syn. of C. brachyceras Bischoff, 1910. The new combination Praestochrysis brachyceras (Bischoff, 1910) n. comb. is proposed. Chrysis fuscipennis Brullé, 1846, the name in use for the oldest taxon described in the angolensis group, was replaced with Chrysis angolensis Radoszkovsky, 1881 because primary junior homonym of C. fuscipennis Dahlbom, 1829. However, Chrysis angolensis is here regarded as nomen dubium, C. fuscipennis Dahlbom, 1829 as nomen oblitum, because no longer in use as a valid name after 1899, and C. fuscipennis Brullé as nomen protectum, thus making the name C. fuscipennis Brullé, 1846 stat. reviv. available and restored.

On the status of Pecten burdigalensis Lamarck var. polonica Pusch, 1837 (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

The well-known Pleuronectia badensis Fontannes, 1882 (currently classified as Cristatopecten cristatus badense) is declared as a n omen protectum against the older synonym Pecten burdigalensis var. polonica Pusch, 1837 considered a nomen oblitum. It ranges from the early to the late Miocene (Burdigalian–Messinian) of the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the Central Paratethys it appeared in the early Miocene (Karpatian, correlating with the latest Burdigalian) and became extinct in the middle Miocene (Late Badenian, correlating with the early Serravallian). In Poland – the northernmost part of Central Paratethys – the occurrence of this taxon is limited to the late Early Badenian (late Langhian).

On the status of Pecten burdigalensis Lamarck var. polonica Pusch, 1837 (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

The well-known Pleuronectia badensis Fontannes, 1882 (currently classified as Cristatopecten cristatus badense) is declared as a n omen protectum against the older synonym Pecten burdigalensis var. polonica Pusch, 1837 considered a nomen oblitum. It ranges from the early to the late Miocene (Burdigalian–Messinian) of the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the Central Paratethys it appeared in the early Miocene (Karpatian, correlating with the latest Burdigalian) and became extinct in the middle Miocene (Late Badenian, correlating with the early Serravallian). In Poland – the northernmost part of Central Paratethys – the occurrence of this taxon is limited to the late Early Badenian (late Langhian).

Taxonomic and nomenclatural reassessment of the Iberian Peninsula's nomina obscura, Scolopendraviridipes Dufour, 1820 and S.chlorotes L. Koch in Rosenhauer, 1856 (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae).

The taxonomic identities of the two largely neglected Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 species from continental Spain, S.viridipes Dufour, 1820 and S.chlorotes L. Koch in Rosenhauer, 1856, are examined in this paper. After efforts in locating both species' type series in eight European institutions, the specimens are considered to be lost. Consequently, the identifications of both taxa were approximated by collating their descriptions with the morphology of all other sympatric Scolopendromorpha. Then, compatible topotypes for both species were collected, and among these a neotype for each taxon were selected and compared with the type series of their respective closest relatives. Finally, both S.viridipes and S.chlorotes are proposed to be conspecific with S.oraniensis Lucas, 1846. Therefore, the name S.viridipes is here established as (senior) syn. nov. and nomen oblitum of S.oraniensis, S.oraniensis is declared as nomen protectum, and S.chlorotes (junior) syn. nov. is reallocated to S.oraniensis. Moreover, the specimens making up the type series of S.oraniensis are also indicated and redescribed, the genitalia are illustrated for the first time, and its specific epithet is briefly reviewed, remaining unaltered in respect of its original spelling.

Lognom, Assisting in the Decision-Making and Management of Zoological Nomenclature

Nomenclature is the discipline of taxonomy responsible for managing the scientific names of groups of organisms. It ensures continuity in the transmission of all kinds of data and knowledge accumulated about taxa. Zoologists use the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999), currently in its fourth edition. The Code contains the rules that allow the correct understanding and application of nomenclature, e.g., how to choose between two names applying to the same taxon. Nomenclature became more complex over the centuries, as rules appeared, disappeared, or evolved to adapt to scientific and technological changes (e.g., the inclusion of digital media) (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 2012). By adhering to nomenclatural rules, taxonomic databases, such as the Catalogue of Life (Bánki et al. 2023), can maintain the integrity and accuracy of taxon names, preventing confusion and ambiguity. Nomenclature also facilitates the linkage and integration of data across different databases, allowing for seamless collaboration and information exchange among researchers. However, unlike its final result, which is also called a nomenclature, the discipline itself has remained relatively impervious to computerization, until now. Lognom*1 is a free web application based on algorithms that facilitate decision-making in zoological nomenclature. It is not based on a pre-existing database, but instead provides an answer based on the user input, and relies on interactive form-based queries. This software aims to help taxonomists determine whether a name or work is available, whether spelling rules have been correctly applied, and whether all the relevant rules have been respected before a new name or work is published. Lognom also allows the user to obtain the valid name between several pre-registered candidate names, including the list of synonyms and the reason for their synonymy. It also includes tools for answering various nomenclatural questions, such as determining if two different species names with the same derivation and meaning should be treated as homonyms; if a name should be treated as a nomen oblitum under Art. 23.9 of the Code; and another tool to determine a genus-series name's grammatical gender. Lognom includes most of the rules regarding availability and validity, with the exception of those needing human interpretation, usually pertaining to Latin grammar. At this point of its development, homonymy is not completely included in the web app, nor are the rules linked to the management of type-specimens (e.g., lectotypification, neotypification), outside of their use in determining the availability of a name. With enough data entered by the users, Lognom should be able to model a modification of the rules and calculate its impact on the potential availability or spelling of existing names. Other prospectives include the possibility of working simultaneously on common projects, which should lead to dynamic lists of available names, as well as automatically extracting nomenclatural data from pre-existing databases, where relevant information is disseminated. A link to attach semantic web labels to names throughout Zoonom (Saliba et al. 2021) or NOMEN (Yoder et al. 2017) is also under consideration.

The genus Errastunus in the Nearctic region (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae).

The leafhopper genus Errastunus contains grass-feeding leafhoppers in the deltocephaline tribe Paralimnini. The taxonomy of the genus in the Nearctic region has long been confused, with one to three distinct species recognized by different authors. Some populations have also been suggested to be adventive from Europe. Morphological and molecular data show that there are two distinct species in North America. These taxa are readily distinguishable morphologically although there is evidence of mitochondrial introgression between the species. The distribution of the two species based on historical material in collections suggests that Errastunussobrinus (DeLong & Sleesman, 1929) is native to North America, while E.ocellaris (Fallén, 1806) includes both native and adventive populations. A lectotype is designated for E.sobrinus and Cicadaocellata Scopoli, 1763 is established as a nomen oblitum with Cicadaocellaris as a nomen protectum.

On Eryphus Perty, 1832 (Dichophyiini), Eriphus Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Trachyderini, Trachyderina), and Eryphus Klug, 1829, with description of a new genus, and corrections on publication dates (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

The validity of two forgotten names, Eryphus Klug, 1829 and E. rubricollis Klug, 1829, is discussed. The former is considered a nomen oblitum and synonymized with Eriphus Audinet-Serville, 1834, a nomen protectum; the latter is revalidated and Eriphus purpuratus Chevrolat, 1862 is considered a junior synonym of Eriphus rubricollis (Klug, 1829). A lectotype is designated to Eryphus rubricollis Klug, 1829. The date of the work where Eriphus Audinet-Serville, 1834 was described is corrected. A new genus is described in Dichophyiini Gistel, 1848 to include the species currently allocated in Eryphus sensu Napp & Martins (2002). The dates of publication of genera and species described by Fairmaire & Germain (Révision des Coléoptères du Chili (suite)) are corrected.

The primary types of some species of Centris bees described by European entomologists in the 18th and 20th centuries (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper are presented notes on the primary types of some species of the oil-collecting bees of the genus Centris described by the European naturalists and entomologists Amédée Louis Michel Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, Anders Christian Jensen-Haarup, Arthur Louis Marie Joseph Vachal, Charles Émile Blanchard, Embrik Strand, Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville, Guillaume-Antoine Olivier, Jean Guillaume Audinet-Serville, Jean Pérez, Johann Christoph Friedrich Klug, Johann Ludwig Christ, John Obadiah Westwood, Josef Anton Maximilian Perty, Jules Dominique, Karl Hermann Konrad Burmeister, Karl Wilhelm von Dalla Torre, Massimiliano Spinola, Peter Cameron, and Wilhelm Ferdinand Erichson. Information on the type status, type locality and depository are provided. In order to stabilize some names, lectotype designations were made for Centris rhodophthalma, C. sponsa var. asuncionis, C. transversa, Hemisia byssina and Ptilotopus americanus. Centris sponsa var. asuncionis is withdrawn from the synonymy of C. sponsa, revalidated and raised to species level. Centris byssina is proposed as nomen oblitum and as a new junior synonym of C. trigonoides, nomen protectum.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Heliogomphus Laidlaw, 1922 (Odonata: Gomphidae), with a redescription of H. kalarensis Fraser, 1934 from southern India

The taxonomy and distribution of dragonflies of the genus Heliogomphus from the Western Ghats of southern India are discussed. A morphological study of fresh male specimens from the field, as well as holotypes and lectotypes from repositories was undertaken. Contradictiing statements in scientific literature, we found that the markings on the occiput and thorax are not dependable features in distinguishing sympatric Heliogomphus promelas (Selys, 1873) and H. kalarensis Fraser, 1934. The structure of the epiprocts and the male genitalia were key features for differentiating them. Heliogomphus pruinans, Fraser, 1922 is removed from the synonymy of H. promelas and is synonymized with H. kalarensis instead based on the analysis of the structure of its epiproct. In accordance with the provisions of ICZN Article 23.9.1.2, in suppression of the unused senior synonym, the taxon name H. kalarensis is retained as a nomen protectum. Heliogomphus unifasciatus is treated as nomen nudum. Taxonomic notes and updated distribution summaries of the two species from the Western Ghats with an identification key to the males are provided. Heliogomphus kalarensis is redescribed from fresh field-collected specimens, including details of the male genitalia and anal appendages. Fieldwork in the Western Ghats revealed that H. kalarensis is the most common of the two Heliogomphus species in Kerala state. The published records of H. promelas and H. kalarensis from this region need to be revisited in light of the facts presented here.

In search of some type-specimens of Rhamphus [Clairville], 1798 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

During morphological and molecular studies of species of Rhamphus from southern and western Europe, the authors realized that some specimens currently identified as R. pulicarius (Herbst, 1795) and R. oxyacanthae (Marsham, 1802), two widely distributed species in Europe, belonged to different closely related taxa. Therefore, it was necessary to examine type specimens of these and other species considered synonymous or confused with them. It was possible to designate lectotypes for Rhamphus subaeneus Illiger, 1808 and Rhamphus kiesenwetteri Tournier, 1873. However, it was necessary to designate neotypes for: Curculio pulicarius Herbst, 1795, Curculio oxyacanthae Marsham, 1802 and Rhamphus flavicornis [Clairville], 1798. These three neotypes were sequenced for mtCOI and the sequences are now accessible online. Moreover, in accordance with Article 23.9 and the Principle of Priority of the Code, because of confirmed synonymy between R. oxyacanthae and R. flavicornis, the former name is officially proposed as nomen protectum and the latter as nomen oblitum. Detailed information regarding historical entomological collections in the Museum fr Naturkunde der Humboldt-Universitt of Berlin and the Clairville collection in the Naturhistorisches Museum of Basel, relating to our search for relevant type specimens, is provided.

Nomenclatural and faunistic notes on some Italian Dytiscidae (Insecta: Coleoptera)

Unusual Italian records witnessing the active flight of two predaceous diving beetles, Rhantus suturalis (W. S. Macleay, 1825) and Acilius (Acilius) sulcatus (Linnaeus, 1758), are provided. The second species is recorded from the Aosta Valley region (N Italy) and from three northern Italian provinces (Asti, Padua, Sondrio) for the first time. The conservation status in Italy of both species is updated. Deronectes silphoides (Ponza, 1805), from the environs of Saluzzo in the Piedmont region (N Italy), was in the past treated as a nomen dubium. Later it was placed, as a nomen oblitum, in synonymy with D. opatrinus (Germar, 1824) (nomen protectum). However, it is herein newly declared a nomen dubium and removed from the above synonymy, since its type specimen is lost and its type locality is outside the area of distribution of the D. opatrinus species-group. At the same time, the identity of Hydroporus silphoides Villa & Villa, 1833 (nomen nudum), previously referred to H. obscurus Sturm, 1835, is declared as uncertain.

Inventory of Cenozoic radiolarian species (Class Polycystinea) – 1834-2020

This paper presents, for the first time ever, a complete list of Cenozoic Polycystinea reported between 1834 and 2020. It records 6898 names of taxa originally described as new species or subspecies, assigned to the Class of Polycystinea, the most important group in the infraphylum Radiolaria. This list only attempts to provide an objective record of available and unavailable names, the latter including nomina oblita, nomina nuda, homonyms, invalid nomenclatorial acts, species wrongly described as Polycystinea and nomina dubia species with inexistent name-bearing specimens.

On the authorship and publication dates of Theraphosa and Theraphosidae (Araneae, Mygalomorphae): a clarification

The genus Theraphosa was established by Thorell (1870) as the type genus of the simultaneously published family Theraphosidae, the most diverse group of mygalomorph spiders. This authorship and publication date have long been accepted by the majority of authors. However, there has been a long-standing minority view that the genus name should be attributed to Walckenaer (1805), and the publication date of the family name changed to 1869.
 A thought-provoking recent publication has examined this case. Based on a limited selection of the relevant literature, the authors struggled to make sense of their sources and prematurely concluded that the minority opinion might indeed be correct. They overlooked the potentially destabilising implications of this reattribution.
 This paper revisits the evidence in the light of a much wider range of relevant publications, places it in its important historical context and, on the basis of the current rules of nomenclature, concludes that the traditional consensus has indeed been correct.
 Thus, Theraphosa Thorell, 1870 is the type genus of Theraphosidae Thorell, 1870 and a nomen protectum, while Theraphosa Schinz, 1823 is a nomen oblitum, mostly limited to the German textbook literature of the early 19th century. Teraphosa Eichwald, 1830 and Teraphosa Gistel, 1848 are junior synonyms of Avicularia Lamarck, 1818 (syn. nov.). Theraphosa Walckenaer, 1805 is a suprageneric name of the class-series (synonymous to Mygalomorphae) and not available at the genus level.

A note on four butterflies recorded by Montrouzier (1856) as members of the genus Euploea Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from Woodlark Island (Muyua), Papua New Guinea

ABSTRACT The life of Father Jean Xavier Hyacinthe Montrouzier (1820–1897) is briefly reviewed, with special reference to the 5 years he spent on Woodlark Island (Muyua), Papua New Guinea, and his subsequent academic studies while briefly resident in Australia. Of the four species listed by Montrouzier as members of the genus Euploea in his 1856 paper on the Lepidoptera of Woodlark, two do undoubtedly belong to the genus as currently recognised: Euploea leucostictos and E. boisduvalii (Danaini: subtribe Euploeina). A third species, originally described by Macleay as a species of Euploea but now included in the genus Tirumala (Danaini, Danaina), was correctly identified by Montrouzier. The fourth, for which Montrouzier introduced a new species name, appears to represent either a species of Neptis (Limenitidinae) or Tellervo (Danainae, Tellervini). This name, Euploea transfixa Montrouzier, is however both a nomen dubium and a nomen oblitum.