Lectotype

Definition

A specimen later selected to serve as the single type specimen for species or subspecies, where the original author did not designate a holotype.

Etymology

From Greek 'lektos', meaning 'chosen', and 'typos', meaning 'type' or 'model'.

Example

In the absence of the holotype, a lectotype was chosen from the original specimens to represent the species.

Synonyms

• Designated type

Related Terms

• Holotype
• Paratype
• Neotype
• Syntype

Usage Notes

A lectotype is designated when the original publication does not specify a single holotype or when no holotype was explicitly chosen by the original author.