Critical Comment: Designation and Curatorial Management of Type Host Specimens (Symbiotypes) for New Parasite Species

Jennifer K. Frey, New Mexico State University
Terry L. Yates
Donald Duszynski, University of New Mexico
William L. Gannon, Museum of Southwestern Biology
Scott Lyell Gardner, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Document Type Article

Published in the Journal of Parasitology, vol. 78, no. 5 (1992): 930-932. Copyright 1992, the American Society of Parasitologists. Used by permission.

Abstract

The accurate identification of a host organism is an important component in the taxonomic recognition of a new species of parasite. Correct identification, curatorial management, and safekeeping of the host specimen from which a parasite type specimen is collected is also desirable. We recommend that the host from which the type of a new parasite species is described should be designated as a symbiotype.