>Date:    Tue, 13 Jun 2000 00:00:14 -0400
>From:    Charles Sturm <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: topotype
>
>Let us not forget the metatype, a subclass of topotype.  The metatype is a
>topotype identified by the author of the taxon in question. Again, not a
>formal type but probably the best alternative to select a neotype from
>should that ever become necessary.
>
>Charlie

Another term for the Metatype is a Tophomeotype.  There is also a type
known as an Ideotype (or Idiotype) which is a specimen examined by the
nomenclator (i.e. metatypical) but not from the type locality.  See also
Adelfotype, Isocotype, Metatopotype.  An excellent glossary of types (108
varieties) can be found in:

Fernald, H.T.  1939.  On type nomenclature.  Annals of the Entomological
Society of America  32(4):689-702.

According to Fernald:  "Topotype:.....These are of the very greatest
importance,....."  so somebody loves them.

Kevin
Kevin S. Cummings
Research Scientist
Illinois Natural History Survey
607 E. Peabody Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
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http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cbd/collections/mollusk.html