Answer
A scientific tarantula name has two main parts: the genus first and the species epithet second. In Brachypelma hamorii, Brachypelma is the genus and hamorii is the species epithet.
Capitalisation and italics
The genus starts with a capital letter; the species epithet does not. Both are normally italicised: Brachypelma hamorii. After the first full use, the genus can be abbreviated when there is no ambiguity: B. Hamorii.
Why scientific names matter
Common names can vary between sellers and countries. The scientific name is the best way to make sure care information, records and stock listings refer to the same species.
Old names
Taxonomy changes. Keep genuine older names as aliases in records and search, but use the currently accepted name as the main species name.
Common mistakes
- Capitalising the species epithet
- Using a common name as proof of identity
- Dropping sp. or cf. qualifiers when identification is uncertain
- Creating duplicate records after a genus change