Paleonet: holotype and paratypes

[csturmjr+ at pitt.edu]

The following is from the ICZN:

74.7. Lectotype designations after 1999. To be valid, a lectotype
designation made after 1999 must

74.7.1. employ the term "lectotype" or an exact translation (e.g.
"lectotypus", but not "the type"),

74.7.2. contain information sufficient to ensure recognition of the
specimen designated, and

74.7.3. contain an express statement of the taxonomic purpose of the
designation.

I would interpret that the last statement (74.7.3) implies that selecting
a lectotype should be in the context of a scientific paper such as a
description of a new species or a revisionary work. If one is only
publishing a catalog, selecting a lectotype is no necessary nor desirable.
I would view a catalog as a form of a database but not a taxonomic work.
If I were to publish a catalog that included a number of syntypes, I would
leave them as such and not select a lectotype. Do others interpret this
the same way?

Regards,
Charlie
.................................................
Research Associate - Section of Mollusks
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Assistant Professor - Family Medicine