FAQ: what about capitals in scientific names?

FAQ: what about capitals in scientific names?

The genus name is written first, followed by the species name and – when appropriate – the name of the subspecies. For example: Forpus conspicillatus caucae. But only the genus name is written with a capital, this is not so for the name of the (sub)species. (even when a species name refers to a personal name or a geological location). For example: Agapornis taranta

If we want to write down all taxonomical elements of a species’ name, the names of kingdom, phylum, subphylum, class, subclass, superorder, order, suborder, superfamily, family, subfamily and tribe are also written with a capital.

More info: see the international agreements on our download page