Work

Priority vs. tradition—Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann, 1832 (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) revisited!

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper represents a rare case in parasitology where a reversal of the Principle of Priority of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) would be beneficial to all users, including not only scientists but also the general public. In some rare cases, a long-established name turns out to be a junior synonym when an older, less-known name claims the priority. Unfortunately, such situations have the potential to disrupt intergenerational continuity of parasitological nomenclature. After 193 years, one of the best-known European fish parasites could have lost its well-established name in favor of its senior synonym, long forgotten by history and predating the now junior synonym by 49 years. The parasite under scrutiny is Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann, 1832. In the interest of nomenclatural stability, however, we propose to maintain prevailing usage by reversal of precedence under Article 23.9 of the Code. Our paper, in addition to its taxonomic aspects, may have a profound effect on the use of this name in parasitology, zoology, and the study of fish diseases. • The fish parasite Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann, 1832 was originally described 49 years earlier as Lernaea squamicola Hermann, 1783. • Under the Principle of Priority (ICZN), Lernaea squamicola should be recognized as the senior synonym: Tracheliastes squamicola (Hermann, 1783). • To preserve nomenclatural stability, we propose maintaining prevailing usage of Tracheliastes polycolpus by reversal of precedence (ICZN Article 23.9). • Retaining T. polycolpus is critical for consistent usage in parasitology, zoology, and fish disease research. • A comprehensive bibliography of ca. 260 references citing T. polycolpus is provided.

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101151

Authors: Wojciech Piasecki, Geoffrey A. Boxshall

Institutions: University of Szczecin, Natural History Museum

Language: English

Topic: Parasite Biology and Host Interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funder: Ministerstwo Edukacji i Nauki