Neotype

Pronunciation: /NEE-oh-type/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Neotype

Plural: Neotypes

Definition

A specimen selected as the type specimen for a species or subspecies when all original material (holotype, syntypes, etc.) is lost or destroyed.

Etymology

From Greek 'neo-', meaning 'new', and 'typos', meaning 'type'.

Example

When the original type specimens of a butterfly species were destroyed in a fire, a neotype was designated to serve as the official reference for the species.

Synonyms

New type specimen

Related Terms

Holotype
Lectotype
Paratype
Syntype
Type specimen

Usage Notes

A neotype is designated only under exceptional circumstances, typically when the original type material is untraceable or completely lost.