Watznaueria barnesiae

Nomenclatural Invalidity of Tremalithus and its Consequences for Watznaueria barnesiae

The genus Tremalithus Kamptner, 1948 was originally published under the ICBN (now ICN) and is invalid on multiple grounds:

ICN Art. 36.1 published as a provisional name
ICN Art. 38.1 nomen nudum (lacking a valid description/diagnosis)
ICN Art. 40.1 no type designated).

Subsequently, Deflandre in Piveteau, 1952b, subsequently attempted to emend Tremalithus by designating Tremalithus placomorphus Kamptner, 1948, as the type species. However, this action does not validate the genus Tremalithus, as it remains invalid under ICN Arts. 36.1 and 38.1.

Even if these deficiencies had been addressed, Tremalithus would still lack nomenclatural standing because it was originally published under the ICN (ICBN) rather than the ICZN. In this case, ICN Art. 45.1 does not apply, and the name therefore cannot be retroactively validated through zoological usage.

ICN Art. 35.1, a name of a taxon below the rank of genus is not validly published unless the name of the genus or species to which it is assigned is validly published at the same time or was validly published previously (but see Art. 13.4).

As Watznaueria barnesiae was originally described under the invalid genus Tremalithus (Tremalithus barnesae), it is unequivocally invalid.

According to ICN Art. 12.1, a name of a taxon has no status under this Code unless it is validly published.

If a species is invalid when published, it cannot be amended because the invalid species has no status under the ICN.

As noted by Loeblich & Tappan (1966):

"According to ICZN, an available name satisfies the rule; the valid name of a taxon is the oldest available name applied to it. The equivalent terms in the ICBN (=ICN) are legitimate and correct, respectively."

A simple analogy:

Consider the scenario of applying for a frequent-flyer membership while omitting key required information, whether intentionally or inadvertently. Consequently, the airline is unable to process the application, and the applicant's details are not entered into its system. When an upgrade is subsequently requested, it is reasonably declined on the grounds that a new, complete application must first be submitted in order for the applicant to be formally registered and eligible for any associated benefits or upgrades.

The same principle applies here: without valid publication, a taxonomic name has no standing and cannot be retrospectively validated; priority is therefore given to the next validly published name, if available, or the taxon must be established through the formal description of a new species in accordance with the ICN. This highlights the critical role of strict nomenclatural standards in ensuring clarity and stability in calcareous nannofossil taxonomy.

References:

Deflandre, G. 1952b. Classe des Coccolithophoridés. In: Piveteau, J. (Ed.) Traité de Paléontologie. Masson, Paris 107-115.

Loeblich, A. R. & Tappan, H. 1966. Annotated index and bibliography of the calcareous nannoplankton. Phycologia. 5: 81-216.