>>>>From: Reynolds, Jennifer [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
I am proof reading some exhibit label text that contains both scientific
(Genus species, italicized) and common names (cactus, sparrows, Joshua
Tree). The text I'm reading seems to use lower case for common names that
refer to animal groups, but Upper Case for common names that refer to an
individual species. <<<<

This is exactly right.  If a common name is referring to a particular
species, it is a proper name; House Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow,
Sharp-tailed Sparrow.  If it is a general term for a group of species, then
it is a common name, sparrow.

Genus and species are italicized or underlined, the former capitalized and
the latter not.  However, if you have the specific epithet for an organism,
than most vertebrates and plants (and many other species) will have a proper
name available, especially for European and North American species, but also
for many others.  Why not use it, instead of the general term?

Robin K Panza
Section of Birds, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh  PA  15213  USA
phone:  412-622-3255
fax:  412-622-8837
[log in to unmask]

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