>>>>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] ========================================================= 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).