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Ant scientific names that should be changed


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3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Connectimyrmex - Posted January 10 2017 - 5:56 PM

Connectimyrmex

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Hi!

I was reading over some ant species/genus names and I've noticed that some ant species names are incredible unsuitable. Here are a few:

1. Solenopsis Molesta

True, these ants do raid and attack other ants, but don't other species as well? Why not give these ants the name "Solenopsis Diminuta" or something?
 

2. Pheidole Megacephala

The genus Pheidole is known for its big headed majors, but why name this species after a big head? There are other species with bigger heads. Maybe they should be named "Pheidole Molesta" or something because the only ant species I normally see raiding is this species (even during vacations).

 

3. Pseudomyrmex sp.

True, the first scientists to see this ant thought that this was a wasp, but now we know that they aren't wasps. This name is quite misleading to the beginning ant keeper, so maybe call this ant "Tenuesmyrmex". Okay, that sounded terrible.

 

If you don't agree with any of these, write in the comments! :)


Hawaiiant (Ben)

Keeper of
Miniature Labradoodle
Baby Wolf Spider
Mud Dauber wasp larvae
Ochetellus Glaber
Solenopsis Geminata
Brachymyrmex Obscurior
Cardiocondyla Emeryi
Tetramorium Bicarinatum
Plagiolepis Alluaudi
Anoplolepis Gracilipes
Technomyrmex Difficilis
Pheidole Megacephala
Aholehole fish
Cowrie snail
Sea Fan Worm
100+ sea squirts
Tree seedlings
Ghost Crab
Day Gecko
Small Fat Centipede
Endemic Lacewing larva
Vernal Pool shrimps

#2 Offline Connectimyrmex - Posted January 10 2017 - 5:58 PM

Connectimyrmex

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Why did this get posted twice?! someone delete one of these please!


Hawaiiant (Ben)

Keeper of
Miniature Labradoodle
Baby Wolf Spider
Mud Dauber wasp larvae
Ochetellus Glaber
Solenopsis Geminata
Brachymyrmex Obscurior
Cardiocondyla Emeryi
Tetramorium Bicarinatum
Plagiolepis Alluaudi
Anoplolepis Gracilipes
Technomyrmex Difficilis
Pheidole Megacephala
Aholehole fish
Cowrie snail
Sea Fan Worm
100+ sea squirts
Tree seedlings
Ghost Crab
Day Gecko
Small Fat Centipede
Endemic Lacewing larva
Vernal Pool shrimps

#3 Offline LC3 - Posted January 10 2017 - 6:54 PM

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Scientific names aren't supposed to be a description of the species, although there is no reason they can't be. The purpose of a scientific name is to catalogue animals and living creatures while at the same time allowing for a universal name of said creature. A myrmecologist in Italy can understand exactly what species a myrmecologist in the US is referring to even if they both don't speak the same language, because Lasius niger will always be Lasius niger. (Until taxonomy proves otherwise) 

 

There is absolutely no point in changing scientific names outside of reasons related to taxonomy, doing so would confuse everyone even more and it's just way too much of a hassle. 

 

Spoiler


#4 Offline Connectimyrmex - Posted January 10 2017 - 7:06 PM

Connectimyrmex

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True.


Hawaiiant (Ben)

Keeper of
Miniature Labradoodle
Baby Wolf Spider
Mud Dauber wasp larvae
Ochetellus Glaber
Solenopsis Geminata
Brachymyrmex Obscurior
Cardiocondyla Emeryi
Tetramorium Bicarinatum
Plagiolepis Alluaudi
Anoplolepis Gracilipes
Technomyrmex Difficilis
Pheidole Megacephala
Aholehole fish
Cowrie snail
Sea Fan Worm
100+ sea squirts
Tree seedlings
Ghost Crab
Day Gecko
Small Fat Centipede
Endemic Lacewing larva
Vernal Pool shrimps




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