Suggestion about using scientific names

[Roman]

I would like to make a suggestion to use the scientific name of an animal at least once in any thread.

In my opinion it is perfectly all right to use abbreviations, nicknames etc. but it might become difficult to find a thread by using the search function. If you try to find something about ball pythons you might have to search for “ball python”, “ball(s)”, “BP” and so on. Of course there is the subforum about them, but there are also a lot of threads around in other forums.

If you would use the scientific name (e.g. “Python regius”, “Lampropeltis getula californiae”, “Pantherophis guttatus” etc) at least once in each thread it would be much easier to find this particular thread. It would be an additional bonus for us “foreigners” (=not native English speaking users) because it would be clear about what we are talking in this thread. I know a lot of scientific names of reptiles, but local names or abbreviations are another matter. But that’s only a positive side effect, the main advantage in my opinion would be the easier usage of the search function.

So what do you think?

Roman

[mykee]

I'm not in.
Too much to remember.
Good luck though....

[Lankyrob]

Arent the forum sections named by the latin name anyway? So all you have to do is look at which section the threead is in.............

[Terranaut]

Yup I agree. Why ???

[Chu'Wuti]

Interesting responses so far. I'd be perfectly happy to do this. I'm on another herp forum where we all include the scientific names, numbers, and sexes of all our animals under our signatures, and using scientific names is very common in posts. However, I'm near a state university and we have quite a few academic types, so those factors influence our behavior (adversely, some might say!)

Further, our extensive signatures might present a problem for anyone trying to search by scientific names, as my Python regius would show up even if I was posting info/questions about Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis or something else I own or am familiar with.

Roman, as you're getting some resistance to your suggestion (sorry, some of us on this side of the Big Pond can be pretty stubborn!), it might be easier for you and possibly even others feeling the same frustration if you generate a list or chart of scientific names with common names and common abbreviations side-by-side as you see them used in the forum. You obviously already know Python regius = ball python = balls = BP. If you do a good list, it might be possible to make it a sticky somewhere for other people from various countries to access and learn how to find what they're seeking.

Whether you decide to do this or not, good luck finding things on the forum. If you ever need help finding something in particular, you're welcome to PM me and request help with common names. I don't know all of them--in fact, I just tonight learned that a "red ackie" is a type of monitor lizard--but I know many of them, and some of the guys on here (Mykee!!) know even more, I'm very sure!

Also, very good friends of mine (parents of my son's GF) are German, and I'm sure they could help with any translation, though I note that your English is very good!

[stephanbakir]

I love scientific names, although some of them annoy the crap out of me... My dyslexia makes names like "Agkistrodon contortrix" a royal pain to spell without ripping my hair out...
That being said it is generally more accurate, and helps us understand exactly what you want. Also, some species share common names and in these cases, scientific names would be a fantastic alternative.

I say, add the scientific name to your post, those who don't care don't need to read it and for the rest of us, it will subtly remind us that species X has scientific name Y

[DeadlyDesires]

i wouldn't mind doing this.. i think it would be cool actually lol.. i love scientific names.. impossible to pronounce lol but still think they are cool..

[medicinhed]

I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

"Hey guys! What do you think of my new Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Reptilia Squamata Serpentes Boidae Boinae Boa Boa Constrictor imperator?"

Another way for some members to berate, belittle, mock, and keyboard assault another member for perceived failures in husbandry, behavior, spelling and grammar. Let's include taxonomy to the mix.

Another way to make some feel good at some strangers expense. Another way to justify bad behavior from forum bullies.

Let's complicate this even further by insisting on scholarly treatise vetted by experts in the field. You don't do this, you can't post. Let's see your degrees everyone.

Browse the forums Roman. Your English is more than adequate to recognize bad behavior and bullying. Don't think this is a safe place, just because we all like snakes.

[KORBIN5895]

I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

"Hey guys! What do you think of my new Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Reptilia Squamata Serpentes Boidae Boinae Boa Boa Constrictor imperator?"

Another way for some members to berate, belittle, mock, and keyboard assault another member for perceived failures in husbandry, behavior, spelling and grammar. Let's include taxonomy to the mix.

Another way to make some feel good at some strangers expense. Another way to justify bad behavior from forum bullies.

Let's complicate this even further by insisting on scholarly treatise vetted by experts in the field. You don't do this, you can't post. Let's see your degrees everyone.

Browse the forums Roman. Your English is more than adequate to recognize bad behavior and bullying. Don't think this is a safe place, just because we all like snakes.

Awww!!!!! Is poor muffin a little angry:( Do you need a diaper change?

Seriously grow up and stop whining or we will continue to pity you for being a drama queen. Those that answered in favor were actually very nice people.

@ Roman

You're way smarter than me my friend. I think it may be a great idea if some of us slower ones knew the names.

[medicinhed]

Awww!!!!! Is poor muffin a little angry:( Do you need a diaper change?

Seriously grow up and stop whining or we will continue to pity you for being a drama queen. Those that answered in favor were actually very nice people.


I was waiting for you to chime in.

No drama here till you showed up. Clearly you took this personally.

How about you learn some maturity and learn to speak to people in a decent manner. How about you cease the personal attacks?

Reread the above. Decent comment from a decent community member?

[infernalis]

I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

This is the second time you have said this.

Let's see your doctorate.

[KORBIN5895]

I was waiting for you to chime in.

No drama here till you showed up. Clearly you took this personally.

How about you learn some maturity and learn to speak to people in a decent manner. How about you cease the personal attacks?

Reread the above. Decent comment from a decent community member?

Actually it is a decent comment. You're the one ****ing on the forum. If you don't like it here go away. We don't need people like you crying in all of the threads and quite frankly I'm tired of all the noob*** bull****.

If you guys don't like being wrong then Start reading more and commenting less. This place isn't here for you guys to give bad info or unfounded information. It is here for solid information to be passed to other keepers. That's what mykee, Aaron, Jay, Greg and any other hard nose member you don't like does here. They pass on solid information to make our hobby better.

If you guys want to hold on to your foolish ideas the I have a forum just for you. Feel free to pm me.

[medicinhed]

This is the second time you have said this.

Let's see your doctorate.



I've never stated that I have a doctorate. I am stating that many of you speak as if you were herpetology professors. Act as if you are the end all be all authority on the subject. Especially when you berate other members.

If you state that you are expert, then what are you people basing it on?

Post numbers?

Are you condoning this personal attack? This is your website after all.

I have a Juris Doctor specializing in International Trade Law. I am not a reptile expert, have no degree stating thus, and I have never claimed to be anything but an enthusiast. I have also not berated anyone. I have not called anyone names. I have not launched any personal attacks.

I make an open complaint regarding the attitudes from some of your members and then you question my statement. Condone a personal attack, and thereby sanctioning it.

That's my doctorate. That's my beef. Your turn...

[medicinhed]

This is the second time you have said this.

Let's see your doctorate.

I can fax you my degrees if you wish.

Not one will say Biology, or MA in Herpetology or PhD in Taxonomy.

[infernalis]

I do not condone personal attacks, however you are not exactly carrying yourself in a professional manner either.

Condemn the whole forum because one member rubs you wrong?

[infernalis]

Don't think this is a safe place, just because we all like snakes.

Watch out, Korbin is having a bad day.....

http://www.ssnakess.info/forumfun/bate.jpg

[medicinhed]

I said "SOME OF YOU". Since when did some you become the WHOLE forum?

Prior to now, how many of my posts have been personal attacks? How many have been derogatory?

Hard-nosed? Looks like I got to you. The members you have so vigorously defended and named seems like your clique has gotten some flack from people in the past. I didn't name names. Why did you?

Did I resort to swearing at you to get my point across? No. Frankly this is how professional people have a discussion. Grow up. Stop being a lowlife and proud of it. Perhaps you would be less angry.

[KORBIN5895]

Watch out, Korbin is having a bad day.....

http://www.ssnakess.info/forumfun/bate.jpg

Not yet boss. But I have seen way too many noobs ripping at this forum lately for it to sit well. I might ad that I have kept my nose pretty clean thatnkyouverymchly.

Have you ever noticed that when people have been here for any length of time they seldom truly butt heads? Even when they can't stand each other? Why is it always these new people that come on here and make waves?

[KORBIN5895]

I said "SOME OF YOU". Since when did some you become the WHOLE forum?

Prior to now, how many of my posts have been personal attacks? How many have been derogatory?

Hard-nosed? Looks like I got to you. The members you have so vigorously defended and named seems like your clique has gotten some flack from people in the past. I didn't name names. Why did you?

Did I resort to swearing at you to get my point across? No. Frankly this is how professional people have a discussion. Grow up. Stop being a lowlife and proud of it. Perhaps you would be less angry.

Wow! Your whole month here seems to have shown you so much! Thank you for sharing so many deep and profound insights into this community.

The reason I chose those people is because they are some of the most knowledgeable people on here. People take offense to knowledgeable people when they are corrected. I have heard several people decide to ignore them because they got their feelings hurt when they were corrected.

Anyway I am on my way to a bad and will leave you alone to your disillusions.

[medicinhed]

Because we're mostly not used to be attacked, sworn at, and belittled. You and your group of long time old school people were once new to the hobby.

You want the hobby and this forum to grow? Why not give people a chance to settle in before you disembowel them?

Since you and the main guy are obviously pals. It's clear I'm not going to get any traction or say.

If I (we all the sad noobs) don't conform and accept everything your clique says as holy writ then why not just close the forum and make a special website where you all can agree and admire each others mastery of reptile husbandry, breeding, classification, and sales.

[medicinhed]

Should I wait till I get to 5000 posts before I am allowed to have an opinion, make a statement, or some small gesture?

Should I make obeisance to your all knowing majesty?

Hey infernalis? How long before I get to swear at noobies? You know in clear violation of forum rules?

Unless they don't apply because I have only been here a month.

If you do not think I have any legitimacy to my complaint then PM and I'll leave gladly.

Is being decent to other people on the forum too much to ask here?

[infernalis]

since I obviously came into this late, why don't BOTH of you tell me how this started?

[medicinhed]

since I obviously came into this late, why don't BOTH of you tell me how this started?

Read the thread.

I'm clearly in the minority when it comes to asking people to follow your forum rules.

Any more questions regarding my doctorate?

[KORBIN5895]

I think this thread is the only one I have ever talked to him in. But as I was reading some other threads it seems he has some issues with me as he has made some veiled references lately.

[lady_bug87]

I've never stated that I have a doctorate. I am stating that many of you speak as if you were herpetology professors. Act as if you are the end all be all authority on the subject. Especially when you berate other members.

If you state that you are expert, then what are you people basing it on?

Post numbers?

Are you condoning this personal attack? This is your website after all.

I have a Juris Doctor specializing in International Trade Law. I am not a reptile expert, have no degree stating thus, and I have never claimed to be anything but an enthusiast. I have also not berated anyone. I have not called anyone names. I have not launched any personal attacks.

I make an open complaint regarding the attitudes from some of your members and then you question my statement. Condone a personal attack, and thereby sanctioning it.

That's my doctorate. That's my beef. Your turn...


So... you're a lawyer? Kind of? And this is how you argue your case?

[KORBIN5895]

Apparently I argue my case better because he pm'd me and said I won. Unfortunately I am still unsure of what I won as I didn't know we were competing for anything.

[lady_bug87]

So you guys had no other words? He just jumped in with both feet guns blazing

[Chu'Wuti]

Frankly, I would call this a "personal attack":
I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

"Hey guys! What do you think of my new Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Reptilia Squamata Serpentes Boidae Boinae Boa Boa Constrictor imperator?"

Another way for some members to berate, belittle, mock, and keyboard assault another member for perceived failures in husbandry, behavior, spelling and grammar. Let's include taxonomy to the mix.

Another way to make some feel good at some strangers expense. Another way to justify bad behavior from forum bullies.

Let's complicate this even further by insisting on scholarly treatise vetted by experts in the field. You don't do this, you can't post. Let's see your degrees everyone.

. . . recognize bad behavior and bullying.



and

Act as if you are the end all be all authority on the subject. Especially when you berate other members.

In my field--not herpetology--the above would be considered ad hominem attacks, a kind of fallacy. Is there some reason you felt a need to respond to Roman this way? He made a perfectly reasonable request, and several of us responded respectfully with our personal opinions in favor of or not in favor of that request.

I personally prefer to offer information as much as possible here and plan to include (when I can remember!) scientific names in my posts so that someone like Roman has fewer issues trying to figure out which animal is what. I, too, have been confused when reading some posts (e.g., "red ackies" with no other names given). Fortunately, most of us are happy to give more information when asked.

Also fortunately, it is extremely easy to look things up on the Internet to find scientific names. For example, I just looked up red ackie and found that it is Varanus acanthuras, aka spiny-tailed monitor or ridge-tailed monitor/lizard. Nice looking little monitor, BTW. With it being so easy to look scientific names up on the Internet, I don't think anyone can be accused of "showing off [their] 'expert status.'"

In addition, even without a degree in herpetology, many people here ARE experts due to their long years of experience in herp-keeping and -breeding. Remember, expertise does not come only through formal education; it also comes through experience.

Each person here has a right to their own opinion, and we--hopefully--can agree to disagree respectfully when differences in opinion arise. We each bring many skills and talents and differences in approach to the forum, enriching the forum for all when we share ideas.

Hope to meet you again under better circumstances, medicinhed.

Roman, I hope the inflammatory behavior that has occurred here doesn't put you off the forum. While, like any group of people, we have our differences, in general the people here are great people. I have been given a LOT of support by people here, not only in herp-related issues, but also for some personal life crises. I hope you visit the forum enough to meet some of these great people and have some positive experiences!

[Terranaut]

Ok. I will try to steer this back on track...
I don't think this is a good idea. Why? Not because I don't know the exact scientific names for my animals but because many new people do not. If your trying to learn about a corn snake and you are new (the people who need info the most) a search will most likely look like this "corn snake substrate" . We want the answers to be found in a search and the new person needs lessons in care not taxonomy. We all know a carpet is a morelia but if a new guy asks about a carpet I won't turn a blind eye because it doesn't read morelia. See what I mean. I think the keep it simple stupid thing here works much better.

[KORBIN5895]

So you guys had no other words? He just jumped in with both feet guns blazing

I honestly don't think we have talked before.

@Dan

His main reason for his discussion is because where he is from they use the scientific names more than our common names.... I assume. His ideas would be a great one if used like he described: the scientific name in addition with our common name for a species. Our threads would show up on more Google searches that way.

[stephanbakir]

I actually like using scientific names + common names in searches, I tend to find care sheets that weren't written by preschoolers.

For example, I'm researching SI right now (Self immunization) to venoms, some of the best info was found using Scholar.Google.com... If you want taxonomy information you should use a proper search engine because to be honest, the base google.com is pretty terrible for finding solid information without having to sift through pages of garbage, if I was researching a care sheet on say... Atheris Squamigera (african bush viper) and I typed in "african bush viper care sheet" or was on a forum looking for help with my "african bush viper" no-one would be able to offer me any type of reasonable advice without a photo to define the subspecies or a scientific name (Atheris squamigera instead of Atheris Hispida for example) They both look similar (ish) and people tend to call them by the same common name but they are 2 totally different animals with different needs.

Even if you don't know the scientific name a person is referring to, by reading that name next to the common name you will automatically memorize them over time, as long as the common name is included it shouldn't confuse anyone...

Regarding the "Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Reptilia Squamata Serpentes Boidae Boinae Boa Boa Constrictor imperator"... nobody is EVER going to type that into a forum to describe their animal.. EVER... A reasonable alternative would be "Boa Constrictor Imperator" or "Boa Constrictor Constrictor"...

[Chu'Wuti]

medicinhed wrote,

Should I wait till I get to 5000 posts before I am allowed to have an opinion, make a statement, or some small gesture?

Should I make obeisance to your all knowing majesty?

Hey infernalis? How long before I get to swear at noobies? You know in clear violation of forum rules?

Unless they don't apply because I have only been here a month.

If you do not think I have any legitimacy to my complaint then PM and I'll leave gladly.

Is being decent to other people on the forum too much to ask here?

and

Frankly this is how professional people have a discussion. Grow up. Stop being a lowlife and proud of it. Perhaps you would be less angry.

These statements are NOT how ANY of the professionals I know have a discussion AT ALL. I am an academic researcher and instructor in a university, my husband is a professor, and I know many other professionals, both in and outside of academia.

NOT ONE of the people I know would ever speak in the way medicinhed has been writing. medicinhed, if you believe that you have been mistreated, either take it up with the person you believe mistreated you in a PM, or take it to a moderator, such as infernalis--who has asked you to share your side of things. He asked you to share how this began and all you replied was, "Read the thread." Sadly, reading this thread doesn't put you in the best light. I'm not defending anyone else; I'm simply observing that for someone who appears to think he has been personally attacked and is complaining about personal attacks, you are making many personal attacks yourself. If you want us to understand why you're so upset, a calmer, more rational explanation in a PM to the moderator would be very beneficial. Then he can do his job of moderating more effectively.

THIS thread is NOT the place for this kind of behavior. I am really saddened to think about the negative impression Roman is getting of our forum.

Truly, Roman, while there are people who are negative, with very close to 20,000 members, I hope that is not surprising.

What is most important is that there are many, many more members who are not negative and who are here to share their knowledge, learn, and enjoy talking about a favorite interest.

[mykee]

"then why not just close the forum and make a special website where you all can agree and admire each others mastery of reptile husbandry, breeding, classification, and sales. "
You're on it!!
This was the best thing to come out of this thread. It's an amazing idea and we should adopt it immediately. BUT in order to do so, we need to let Mr. Smug Holier Than Thou Ivory Tower Pretentious-Boy go.
The tribe has spoken. You are the weakest link. You're fired.
And if that didn't work:

http://www.reptilescanada.com/gallery/data/500/trollspray.jpg

[Terranaut]

Yup. Whew. Thanks Mykee. It worked. He's gone :)

[Chu'Wuti]

Oh, good! Now I can tell you I was ROFLMAO when I read Mykee's post!

That guy sure came here with a massive load of chips on his shoulders! Really sad.

I'm really glad that most people who join the forum are positive in outlook.

[TragicTaste]

As still a fairly new person, I wouldnt mind seeing more scientific names in each of the threads because I really think it could help me learn more, and maybe learn quicker.

[lady_bug87]

All forum categories are divided by scientific name... its a good place to start learning
I think if people are really interested in using them (scientific names) they should if not then don't. I'm sure that's what Roman intended when he started this thread.

[Will0W783]

I agree that using both scientific and common names is a good idea. It's especially good for the venomous section, as many of those species are known only by their common names. I know numerous keepers (with no biology or herpetology degrees, btw) who are well-versed in the Latin names and common names of their animals. Why not strive to have our threads stand out more on search engines and appear more professional in the process?

[Chu'Wuti]

I agree that using both scientific and common names is a good idea. It's especially good for the venomous section, as many of those species are known only by their common names. I know numerous keepers (with no biology or herpetology degrees, btw) who are well-versed in the Latin names and common names of their animals. Why not strive to have our threads stand out more on search engines and appear more professional in the process?

I agree! I especially agree with the last part of your last sentence . . . though I also enjoy the humor that gets shared here! I think we can be humorous without attacking others, though.

[Roman]

Wow

This is not as I intended this thread to be – at least at first…

So to answer to some statements

@Lankrob I know that the specific forums are titled with the scientific names, but it is not as easy as you said to find everything right there, because a lot of threads are located elsewhere. If you look at the “General Colubrid Forum” you can currently find 6 threads about corn snakes or king-/milksnakes at the first page, not to mention all those other threads in the enclosure forum, the general information forum etc. In one of this threads the thread starter talks about his “albino ratsnake”, you can only assume that he is talking about his corn snake, but it is never said somewhere. Using the search function you would never find this thread. (I don’ t want to point any fingers, this just an example why it would be better to use the scientific name and the common name at least once in your text.)

@ Chu’Wuti/Sandy Thank you for your kind offer, but I think I can handle most of the texts I read so far :-). It was sometimes difficult to sort all the abbreviations out, until I found the thread about “Herp lingo”. I know most common names of the snakes I am interested in, so this is not really an issue while reading a post. And don’t worry, I have a thick skin… :-)

As I said in my original post, this is not about UNDERSTANDING a thread, it is about FINDING it. Korbin made the point that by using the scientific name we might even get some more hits from Google, something I did not think of when I started this thread but an important point in my opinion.

@Terranaut I don’ t think that a new user/beginner would be discouraged if you also use the scientific name. A beginner would use the common name or even a nickname if he asks a question and of course this is perfectly all right. So when you answer the question just add the scientific name in conjunction with the common name and I doubt that anybody would see this as “showing off”.

In my opinion using scientific names is also a quality issue, as Sandy and willow/Kimberly Urban already said. It avoids confusion or misunderstandings because you really know what you are talking about, especially with reptiles which are not quite so common as ball pythons, kingsnakes or corn snakes.

As an afterthought and because it took quite some space – I am sorry that “medicinhed” got so agitated and did react as he did – and frankly I don’t understand it why he did. So Sandy, Korbin and all the others - thanks for the support, I really appreciate it! But that’s enough of this.

Roman

[Aaron_S]

Problem is scientific names are just as finicky as common names for misuse.

Isn't our corn snake forum currently elaphe guttata guttata and not pantherophis as they have been re-classified? Happened some years ago now.

[Chu'Wuti]

Roman, I'm glad you have a "live and let live" attitude! You're going to be a great addition to the forum!

You said, In one of this threads the thread starter talks about his “albino ratsnake”, you can only assume that he is talking about his corn snake, but it is never said somewhere.

Ahh, this is one of those interesting cases--all corn snakes are rat snakes, but not all rat snakes are corn snakes. The albino rat snake you referred to is probably not a corn snake; it's entirely possible that the person who mentioned it has Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri.

There are many species of rat snakes, including the group that is called corn snakes. Here's how one person describes them on http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070630234313AAiugOk:

Rat snakes are made up of 2 genuses--Pantherophis for new world, Elaphe for old world. Corn snakes (aka Red Rat Snakes) are a specific species (Pantherophis guttatta) in the Pantherophis genus.

According to wikipedia, Many sources continue to refer to the Texas rat snake by its scientific name, Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri, though all North American rat snake species were suggested for reclassification to the genus Pantherophis. A further revision of Pantherophis obsoletus has recommended the elimination of the various subspecies entirely, considering them all to be merely locality variations. However, the ICZN has rejected the renaming, and thus Elaphe remains the genus name.

Are you confused yet? ;)

I don't know whether either of the sources I've quoted is entirely accurate, so hopefully someone with more knowledge will weigh in on this.

But even if not entirely accurate/up to date, this presents a very good example of why some people are less than comfortable with using scientific names; one has to know old and new names for some species. DNA testing and other newer scientific research is leading to changing taxonomic classifications for lots of flora and fauna!

Still, I'll be trying to remember to include scientific names in my posts from here on out!

[NBLADE]

Problem is scientific names are just as finicky as common names for misuse.

Isn't our corn snake forum currently elaphe guttata guttata and not pantherophis as they have been re-classified? Happened some years ago now.

Yep this can be an issue, since they have changed a lot, Underwoodisaurus milii is now nephrurus milii, green tree pythons are no longer chondros and have become morelia, and even cresteds aren't rhacodactylus anymore, so it can get confusing to keep on top of the changing scientific names, but they are a good way of knowing exactly what species someone is talking about or selling, as common names vary so much from country to country, and some species share the same common name which makes things even more confusing, there are over 10 species of gecko that all have the common name barking gecko, so scientific names can definitely be helpful. I think it is a good idea.

[mykee]

"Yup. Whew. Thanks Mykee. It worked. He's gone"
No problem, I've got mad skills.

[Chu'Wuti]

I want to note that I misunderstood Roman's intent when I posted information about corn and rat snakes earlier. He was merely presenting an example of how using a common name could make a search much more difficult.

My apologies for telling him more than he needed to know, or rather, for telling him things he already knows!

My bad habit, lecturing . . . Sorry to all!

Life is never dull!

[Roman]

Hi Sandy,

no need to apologize at all. As I just said in my PM I think it rather interesting how a simple post might get misinterpreted and I think it is really kind of you to try and explain something to someone (even if it was not necessary in this particular case)

Roman

[Chu'Wuti]

Thanks for your kindness in saying I'm being kind, Roman; however, I'm quite sure there are those who wish I'd shut up already!

I'm glad that you're sticking around to get to know us better!

[Roman]

Problem is scientific names are just as finicky as common names for misuse.

Isn't our corn snake forum currently elaphe guttata guttata and not pantherophis as they have been re-classified? Happened some years ago now.

Aaron, I don’t think that changing the genus or even the species of a certain snake is such a big issue. At first it will lead to some confusion but as with Elaphe --> Pantherophis the changes will be common knowledge pretty soon.

But the most important point about using the scientific name is the definite knowledge which reptile is really meant. As NBLADE already mentioned a common name may be clear, but more often as not it is not and here it might become tricky or even dangerous, e.g. if you talk to somebody from South Africa about Garter Snakes – you might think about Thamnophis but he could talk about Elapsoidea, an elapid snake from sub-Saharan Africa.

Roman

[Aaron_S]

Aaron, I don’t think that changing the genus or even the species of a certain snake is such a big issue. At first it will lead to some confusion but as with Elaphe --> Pantherophis the changes will be common knowledge pretty soon.

But the most important point about using the scientific name is the definite knowledge which reptile is really meant. As NBLADE already mentioned a common name may be clear, but more often as not it is not and here it might become tricky or even dangerous, e.g. if you talk to somebody from South Africa about Garter Snakes – you might think about Thamnophis but he could talk about Elapsoidea, an elapid snake from sub-Saharan Africa.

Roman

I never said not to use it but I believe if someone is going to use the scientific name they should also list the common name.

I disagree though how you say pantherophis will be common knowledge soon. Changes DO NOT take hold quickly. As stated, it was changed years ago. People still don't recognize borneo short-tail, sumatran and brongersmai as 3 different subspecies.

There is a problem though either way we look at it though as whoever determines these classifications have a lot of debates over it. Species change on a regular basis and most people just don't know.

With tarantulas they are constantly changing even the scientific names.

[Terranaut]

Maybe this is why I prefer pictures :)