lectotype

noun

1. A biological specimen or illustration later selected to serve as definitive type example of a species or subspecies when the original author of the name did not designate a holotype.

   “Where the original diagnosis is without illustrations or is accompanied by figues based on two or more specimens, the first subsequent author is at liberty to select from these cotypes a type for the old species, adhering, as far as can be ascertained to the intention of the original author. Such a type speciment is to be designated as a lectotype...”

   “The lectotype and paratype, which are before me, are both iron-stained, predominantly internal composite molds of left valves in a fine-grained, white quartzite matrix.”

   “Lectotype designation is justified under article 74.1.1 of the ICZN (1999) in order to fix the status of this specimen as the sole name-bearing type of this species.”