How to … Create an autonym

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When a name is published for a subdivision of a genus or an infraspecific taxon, an autonym is automatically established for the subdivision or infraspecific taxon that includes the type of the generic or species name.

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For example, when the first subgenus was named within Rhododendron, the autonym Rhododendron subg. Rhododendron was automatically established; when the first variety was named within Lobelia spicata, the autonym Lobelia spicata var. spicata was automatically established.

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An autonym is not followed by an author citation. Only the authorship of the generic name or species name is cited, e.g.  Rhododendron L. subg. Rhododendron; Lobelia spicata Lam. var. spicata.

 

If you publish a new name that also establishes an autonym, you should mention that autonym in the publication. Do not cite yourself as the authorship of the autonym.

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For more information, see Art. 22, Art. 26, and Art. 27 in the Code and Chapter 2 Basic concepts and terms in The Code Decoded.

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