Work

Tracing the taxonomic journey of ostracods (Crustacea): From Gualtieri to Latreille, through Micheli-Targioni Tozzetti's collection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study retraces the early taxonomic history of ostracods by examining the historical Micheli-Targioni Tozzetti's collection housed at La Specola Museum (University of Florence, Italy). Earlier records of ostracod reference, namely Niccolò Gualtieri's 1742 Index Testarum Conchyliorum , which includes the first scientific illustration and description of ostracods were identified. The analysis of the collection revealed the oldest known collection of Recent ostracod specimens in a museum repository, likely dating back to before 1737. Furthermore, Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti’s unpublished observations from the mid-18th century provide the earliest known ethological notes on ostracods. The presence of four distinct ostracod species in the collection, Herpetocypris reptans, Heterocypris incongruens, Heterocypris salina , and Cypridopsis vidua are confirmed. This research highlights the pivotal role of historical museum collections in reconstructing the early development of taxonomy, ethology, and the scientific concept of species.

Source: Revue de Micropaléontologie

DOI: 10.1016/j.revmic.2025.100867

Authors: Ilaria Mazzini, Simone Cianfanelli, Elisabetta Lori, Giampaolo Rossetti, Gianna Innocenti, Enrico Talenti

Institutions: Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council, University of Florence, University of Parma

Language: English

Topic: History of Science and Natural History

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,470

OpenAlex ID: W4414552109

FWCI:

Cites: 12

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