OF NOMENCLATURE. C31 



them ; but it is only among the lower animals that new ones are neces- 

 sary, yet those already existing well enough suffice to distinguish even 

 them. But if new ones are to be formed they must be constructed 

 by the above rules. It is also endeavoured, even in the higher groups, 

 to express their character in their names. 



362. 



Specific names (nomina trivialia) are formed in three ways: they 

 are either pure adjectives or substantives, in apposition to the generic 

 name, or the genitive of the predicate, which expresses a relation to 

 the thing whence the name is derived. 



The adjectives are usually deduced from the most remarkable and 

 striking quality of the insect, and refer to form, colour, general cloth- 

 ing, sculpture, size, &c. &c. It is scarcely possible to give general 

 rules for their imposition, it must be left to the tact of every one who 

 names species to select appropriate names. This is a subject in which 

 the naturalist can exhibit much skill, and we cannot in this respect 

 sufficiently admire the talent of the immortal Linnaeus : Fabricius has 

 also in general invented good names. Comparative names, however, 

 are not adapted as specific names, as we do not always know whether 

 the species which we distinguish as the smallest is actually the 

 smallest ; but when once applied we must leave them where we find 

 them, if they do not become incorrect by the discovery of one surpassing 

 them. Fabricius endeavours also to discountenance specific names 

 derived from the time of appearance, &c., but in this he probably goes 

 too far ; if the field be too much contracted we shall ultimately find no 

 adjectives for specific names. Some insects likewise frequent very 

 determinate places, and why then should they not be named after it ? 

 It however sometimes happens that animals have names that are not at 

 all appropriate to them, for instance, the genus Euphone among the 

 birds, the species of which, travellers say, do not sing at all. 



363. 



Specific names formed of substantives refer either to the resemblance 

 which insects have to the object represented by its name, be this 

 expressed in form, colour, or any other quality ; thus is Amphicoma 

 vulpes rough, like a fox, and of the same yellowish colour. Or they 

 express a significant comparison, and are the sports of the fancy of the 

 namer, for instance, Cerambi/x heros, Geotrupes Hercules, &c. 



