3 replies to this topic

[Connectimyrmex]

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!

[Connectimyrmex]

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

[LC3]

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

Fun fact there is an extinct trilobite with the scientific name, Han solo.

[Connectimyrmex]

True.