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. Visually, this makes for some funny-looking sentences. Does anyone's institutional style sheet or common usage specify how this situation should be handled? Common names always lower case? Always Upper Case? Or a mixture of both according to the specificity of the Beast in Question? Thanks for your learned advice. Jennifer Reynolds, Marketing Specialist San Bernardino County Museum 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA USA 92374-4560 voice: (909) 798-5048 fax: (909) 748-7763 [log in to unmask] web page: www.sbcountymuseum.org ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).