What is the Difference Between Lectotype and Neotype?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between a lectotype and a neotype lies in their designation and purpose in the context of type specimens:
- Lectotype: A lectotype is a specimen chosen by a later researcher to serve as if it were the holotype when no holotype was indicated at the time of publication. It is selected from among the specimens available to the original publishing author, such as syntypes or paratypes. Lectotypes are designated when the original author did not designate a holotype.
- Neotype: A neotype is a specimen chosen by a later researcher to serve in place of a holotype when all specimens available to the original publishing author of a scientific name have been lost or destroyed. Neotypes are designated when the original holotype has been lost or destroyed, and no other suitable type specimen is available.
In summary:
- Both lectotypes and neotypes are selected to serve as the nomenclatural type when there is no holotype.
- They are not designated by the original author of the name.
- A lectotype is chosen from among the specimens available to the original publishing author, while a neotype is chosen when all original specimens have been lost or destroyed.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Lectotype and Neotype? Comparative Table: Lectotype vs Neotype
Comparative Table: Lectotype vs Neotype
Here is a table comparing the differences between lectotype and neotype:
| Feature | Lectotype | Neotype |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A lectotype is a specimen designated as the type or nomenclatural type of a species when the original author did not designate a type in the original publication. | A neotype is a specimen selected to replace the nomenclatural type of a species, typically when the holotype is lost or destroyed. |
| Purpose | Serves as the reference material for the scientific name of a species. | Replaces the original holotype when it is lost or destroyed, ensuring that there is a specimen available for reference. |
| Selection | Lectotypes are typically selected from the syntypes or original material. | Neotypes are selected when there is a need to replace the original holotype, and they are usually chosen from paratypes or paralectotypes, or topotypic specimens if possible. |
| Designation | Lectotypes are designated when no type was indicated at the time of the original publication. | Neotypes are designated under specific conditions, such as when the holotype is believed to be lost or destroyed, and there is a need for a new name-bearing type specimen. |
In summary, lectotypes are designated when the original author did not designate a type in the original publication, while neotypes are selected to replace the nomenclatural type, typically when the holotype is lost or destroyed.
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