POINTS OF VIEWXXX 257

Herpetological Review, 2014, 45(2), 257–268. © 2014 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Best Practices in Herpetological Taxonomy: Errata and Addenda

In a recent issue of Herpetological Review, my co-authors and permanently relegated the name C. abrae to the status of junior I published a Point of View article outlining a set of best practices synonym of C. pulchellus. for workers in the field of herpetological taxonomy (Kaiser et al. Recommendation for Zeusius sternfeldi Wells 2007.—Kaiser et 2013). The goal of that article was to defend modern herpetology al. (2013) erroneously recommended the use of Cyclodomorphus from “taxonomic vandalism” (see Jäch 2007), and it has generated casuarinae in place of Zeusius sternfeldi. Zeusius sternfeldi is, in considerable discussion among zoological taxonomists (e.g., fact, a synonym of C. venustus. In his description of Z. sternfeldi in the online listserv Taxacom). There is broad, although not Wells (2007) listed, without attribution, diagnostic characters unanimous, agreement on the part of herpetologists with our from Shea and Miller (1995) for a population these authors proposed solutions for how to handle taxonomic vandalism, and considered conspecific with C. venustus. there is widespread recognition amongst zoological taxonomists Typographical error.—In Table 1, Kaiser et al. (2013) list in general that (1) taxonomic vandalism in zoology occurs and the name Calloselasma, without italic lettering, as a new tribe can pose a problem for users, (2) that the International Code presented by Hoser (2012b). This name should have been listed of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999; hereafter, the Code) in as Calloselasmiini. Hoser (2013m) described this putative tribe as its function as an accounting system outside of the scientific new for the second time, both times in violation of the Principle method cannot safeguard scientific output from interference by of Coordination (Article 36 of the Code). authors who do not conform to scientific principles (see Kaiser 2013), and (3) that the adjudication of taxonomic decisions Addenda ultimately remains in the hands of authors, editors, and, in terms of the resulting nomenclature but not the taxonomic decisions, In the course of writing the recent Point of View paper, my the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature co-authors and I fully anticipated the production of additional (hereafter, ICZN). I am pleased to report that authors (e.g., Bates taxon names by Raymond Hoser, but we were nevertheless et al. 2013; Reynolds et al. 2014) as well as editors (e.g., Measey dumbfounded by the sheer number of new names he created 2013) are now applying the recommendations we made. It is in five recent issues of his self-published Australasian Journal the purpose of this follow-up paper to correct four minor errors of Herpetology (hereafter AJH). In these issues, Hoser proposes a made in the earlier paper’s list of taxonomic recommendations globe-spanning series of 255 new names for snakes and turtles at (Kaiser et al. 2013: Table 1), augment that list with a new set of the family, subfamily, tribe, subtribe, genus, subgenus, species, recommendations for 255 unscientific names presented by and subspecies level. Following the standard of Kaiser et al. Hoser (2013a–ag[1]), and provide some clarification of the earlier (2013), I here list these new names with recommendations for paper regarding the relationship between scientific taxonomy scientifically valid names (Table 1). In this list I also identify taxa and the Code. violating Article 29 (proper formation of family-group names) and Article 36 (Principle of Coordination) of the Code and present Errata corrections. I wish to note that, contrary to the exclamations by Hoser (2013n), the recommendations by Kaiser et al. (2013), and Recommendation for Costinisauria couperi Wells 2009.— the ones presented herein are not formal taxonomic decisions Kaiser et al. (2013) erroneously recommended the use of underpinned by new evidence, but simply the most appropriate Lampropholis couperi in place of Costinisauria couperi. Instead, names to be used in place of dubious taxon names presented by they should have listed Eulamprus kosciuskoi as the correct Hoser since the year 2000; I consider Hoser’s post-2000 names recommendation. The original listing of C. couperi in Wells non-existent for the purposes of taxonomy and nomenclature. (2009) shows that the author intended to separate his purported The names coined by Hoser (2003), inadvertently omitted by species from C. worrelli Wells and Wellington 1985, a name in the Kaiser et al. (2013), are included in this new listing. synonymy of E. kosciuskoi (see Shea and Sadlier 1999). Recommendation for Cyrtodactylus abrae Wells 2002.— Best Practices Revisited and Reaffirmed Kaiser et al. (2013) erroneously recommended the use of Cyrtodactylus tuberculatus in place of C. abrae. Instead, they There are two fundamental issues when dealing with non- should have listed C. pulchellus as the correct recommendation. peer-reviewed, unscientific contributions in taxonomy. The first The authors overlooked an important recent paper, in which of these is to clearly define the line separating taxonomy and Shea et al. (2011) investigated the status of C. abrae. By nomenclature, as defined and differentiated by Pyle and Michel designating the lectotype of C. pulchellus as the neotype of C. abrae (a poorly described taxon based on a photograph, and for which the nominal holotype did not exist), Shea et al. (2011) HINRICH KAISER Department of Biology, Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, California 92395, USA [1] As for the year 2012 (see Kaiser et al. 2013), due to the large number of Department of Vertebrate Zoology, works produced by Raymond Hoser in 2013 (N = 33), I continued the enumera- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, tion of citations by beginning the alphabet anew. Thus, in addition to Hoser Washington, D.C. 20013, USA; e-mail: [email protected] (2013a–z), nine additional references exist (Hoser 2013aa–ai).

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 258 XXX POINTS OF VIEW but instead revert but instead revert 5 1 inae (part) oidae (part) ecommendation Amphibolur R B Acrantophis dumerilii Acrantophis (part) Tropidophis taczanowskyi Tropidophis paucisquamis Tropidophis battersbyi Tropidophis Tropidophis spinipes Hypsilurus dilophus H. spinipes, Hypsilurus occiduus Atropoides (part) Atropoides Porthidium Cerrophidion, Atropoides, Chrysopelea Ahaetulla, leonardi Anomochilus maculosa Antaresia boulengeri Atractaspis duerdeni Atractaspis maculatus P. mitchelli, Platysaurus maculatus P. mitchelli, Platysaurus mitchelli Platysaurus maculatus Platysaurus schneideri B. peringuey, caudalis , B. Bitis caudalis Bitis caudalis Bitis parviocula Bitis arietans Bitis gabonica Bitis nasicornis Bitis arietans Bitis atropos Bitis arietans Bitis arietans Bitis

oser 2013ac oser 2013e oser 2013j oser 2013j oser 2013ad oser 2013v oser 2013j oser 2013o oser 2013o oser 2013o oser 2013o oser 2013ac oser 2013ad oser 2013ad oser 2013f oser 2013i oser 2013a oser 2013m oser 2013ac oser 2013o oser 2013a oser 2013v oser 2013ac oser 2013j oser 2013p oser 2013a oser 2013j oser 2013o oser 2013m oser 2013o oser 2013o oser 2013p oser 2013o oser 2003 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. axon Rank axon gen. no sp gen. no subgen. no gen. no subgen. no subtr subsp sp sp subgen. no subgen. no tr tr sp tr T fam. no tr tr sp sp subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no sp tr subgen. no sp subtr subsp sp sp subgen. no sp , but serve as substitutes for Hoser’s names until a formal, scientific treatment for the groups under consideration under consideration for the groups names until a formal, scientific treatment Code , but serve as substitutes for Hoser’s is identified by the superscript A29. A name, whose description as new violates the Principle of Coordination of the whose description of Coordination as new violates the Principle the superscriptA name, A29. Code is identified by

Jan 1860] Jan Jan 1860] Jan

Link 1801]

) Wagler 1830] Wagler

)

) )

) 4

)

3 [Adelynhoserboaina]

) [Acrantophidae; Acrantophis [Acrantophidae;

A29 2

[Acrantophini; Acrantophis [Acrantophini;

[ Amphibolurus ) [Ahaetullini; Ahaetulla

A29, A36

A36

( Bennettsaurus ( Lucysaurea

A29, A36

)

A29, A36

1. List of 255 herpetofaunal taxa published as new by Raymond Hoser from April–September 2013, plus one set of names from Hoser (2003) that was inadvertently omitted by Kaiser et Kaiser (2003) that was inadvertently omitted by Hoser 2013, plus one set of names from April–September from Hoser Raymond 1. List of 255 herpetofaunal taxa published as new by a b le T - of the Interna unscientific, in violation of Articles produced and the Code of Ethics 8.1.1, 29, 36 in considering et al. (2013) the manner in which these names were Kaiser al. (2013). I follow should not use these names Readers and nomenclature. no standing in taxonomy have these dubious names therefore (ICZN 1999); Nomenclature tional Code of Zoological Taxon Acrantophiidae Acrantophiini sloppi Acrantophis Adelynhoserserpenini marleneswileae Anomochilus Bennettsaurini brianwallacei Bitis to those listed in the column titled “Recommendation,” where nomenclaturally available and taxonomically suitable scientific names are provided. For clarification, the Recommendation clarification, the Recommendation For provided. suitable scientific names are and taxonomically available nomenclaturally where “Recommendation,” to those listed in the column titled scientifically column may include several The Recommendation usage. nomenclatural to standard according genus name, with their corresponding in parentheses subgenera column shows These or subgenera. genera names are and italicized taxa. All other capitalized ranked subtribe) encompasses multiple lower tribe, (e.g., taxon names when a nonscientific higher group valid do not constitute synonymies under the rules of the recommendations to Articleof the 29 according name formedis published. A incorrectly Adelynhoserboa Adelynhoserboa ( Adelynhoserboa Adelynhoserboa ( Merceicaboa Adelynhoserboa ( Pattersonboa Adelynhoserboaiina Adelynhosersaur Adelynhosersaurini Adelynhoserserpenae wellsi Adelynhoserserpenina Ahaetulliini Amphibolurini brentonoloughlini Antaresia ( Benjaminswileus Atractaspis ( Lowryus Atractaspis Bennettsaurus Bennettsaurus Bennettsaurus ( Klosevipera Bitis ) caudalis kajerikbulliardi ( Klosevipera Bitis ) caudalis swilae ( Klosevipera Bitis ( Kuekus Bitis funki Bitis hoserae Bitis lourenceklosei Bitis matteoae Bitis oflahertyae Bitis pintaudii Bitis (Article 36) and therefore is not new, is identified by the superscript A36. In these cases, a corrected version of the name and/or the proper authorship is provided after the taxon name. The name. after the taxon authorship is provided of the name and/or proper version a corrected these cases, the superscriptIn A36. is identified by is not new, Code (Article 36) and therefore footnotes list a variety including some with formal of incongruities, relevance.

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 POINTS OF VIEWXXX 259 ) melanoleuca ) melanoleuca 8 oidae (part) ecommendation B Atractus clarki Atractus R arietans Bitis gabonica Bitis gabonica Bitis Toxicodryas Boiga (part), Dipsadomorphus, myersi B. Bothrocophias campbelli, Bothrocophias Bothrops (part) Bothrops (part) Bothrops asper Bothrops asper Bothrops asper ( Boulengerina Naja ( Boulengerina Naja Brachyophidium timoriensis Malayopython reticulatus Malayopython reticulatus Malayopython reticulatus Malayopython reticulatus Malayopython reticulatus Malayopython reticulatus Malayopython Dendelaphis caudolineolatus melanurus C. haematoetron, C. bibroni, Calliophis nigrescens C. castoe, C. beddomei, Calliophis maculiceps Calliophis Hypnale Calloselasma, Hypnale Calloselasma, schmidti aspera Candoia Candoia lichtensteini Causus xiangchengensis P. jerdonii, P. cornutus, Protobothrops (part), Cerrophidion Atropoides Chamaelycus fasciatus Chrysopelea Dendrelaphis, Ahaetulla, Chrysopelea Dendrelaphis, Ahaetulla, Dendrelaphis lorentzi Dendrelaphis viridis Morelia Macroprotodon Bamanophis, Coluber zebrinus, Coluber zebrinus

oser 2013s oser 2013r oser 2013b oser 2013k oser 2013m oser 2013k oser 2013k oser 2013d oser 2013o oser 2013d oser 2013d oser 2013i oser 2013i oser 2013a oser 2013l oser 2013w oser 2013r oser 2013x oser 2013d oser 2013a oser 2013r oser 2013p oser 2013p oser 2013t oser 2013s oser 2013i oser 2013m oser 2013d oser 2013a oser 2013y oser 2013d oser 2013q oser 2013m oser 2013m oser 2013s oser 2013m oser 2013t oser 2013x oser 2013d oser 2013aa oser 2003 oser 2013m H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v.

v. v. v. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ibe nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. axon Rank axon subgen. no subsp tr subgen. no subtr subgen. no subgen. no sp ssp subgen. no ssp fam. no subfam. no fam. no tr sp sp ssp tr gen. no sp sp sp sp subgen. no T tr sp ssp ssp gen. no ssp sp subtr subtr subfam. no subtr sp tr ssp gen. no sp tr

Cope 1860] Cope

Cope 1860] Cope 10

7

7 7

7 7

7 6 Gray 1842] Gray

Gray 1842] Gray

) jackyhoserae Gutberlet and Campbell 2001] and Campbell Gutberlet

Fenwick et al. 2009] Fenwick ) Candoia Fitzinger 1826] Fitzinger

[Charlespiersonserpeninae] Candoia [Charlespiersonserpenidae] )

) A29 A29 6

11 Wagler, 1824] Wagler,

Boiga

) )

( Macmillanus [Calloselasminae; Calloselasma [Calloselasminae; 9 [Calloselasmini; Calloselasma [Calloselasmini; [ Bothrocophias [Chrismaxwellini]

[Brachyophidium Wall 1921] Wall [Brachyophidium ) ( Lowryvipera A29, A36 A29 [Candoiini; [Candoiini; [ Bothropoides [Candoiidae; [Candoiidae; A36

3, A36

A29, A36 ( Wellspython [ Bothrops A36 [Boigaini; [Boigaini; A29, A36

A29, A36 3, A36

A29, A36

1. Continued a b le Causus perkinsi Causus Candoiidae Carstensus T Taxon tomcottoni Bitis Charlespiersonserpenini Bitis wellingtoni Bitis wellsi Bitis Boigaiini Bothrocophias ( Pughvipera Bothrocophiina Bothropina Bothropoidina Bothrops lenhoseri [sic] Bothrops mexicoiensis maccartneyi [sic] Bothrops mexicoiensis Boulengerina adelynhoserae Boulengerina jackyhoserae Brachyophidiini Broghammerus dalegibbonsi reticulatus Broghammerus euanedwardsi reticulatus Broghammerus haydnmacphiei reticulatus Broghammerus neilsonnemani reticulatus Broghammerus patrickcouperi reticulatus Broghammerus stuartbigmorei reticulatus Broghammerus Brucegowus ( Benmooreus Calliophis ( Paulstokesus Calliophis ( Swilea Calliophis Calloselasmiinae Calloselasmiini iansimpsoni ) aspera ( Erebophis Candoia Candoidiini Ceratrimeresurus [sic] Cerrophodionina Chamaelycus euanedwardsi Charlespiersonserpeniidae Charlespiersonserpeniinae Charlespiersonserpens shireenae Chondropython Chrismaxwelliini Chrismaxwellus

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 260 XXX POINTS OF VIEW salvator bivittatus ) salvator ) (part) ( Craspedocephalus (part) Chamaesaura, Pseudocordylus, Smaug Pseudocordylus, (part), Chamaesaura, ( Soterosaurus ) ( Empagusia rotalidae (part)rotalidae ecommendation R Chrysopelea taprobanica (part) Gloydius (part) Cordylus Zonurus Zonosaurus tonkinensis O. zayuensis, Ovophis Trimeresurus travancoricus R. sanguineus, R. Rhinophis fergusonianus, sanguineus R. Rhinophis fergusonianus, Rhinophis travancoricus elegans P. mucrosquamatus, Protobothrops Ctenophorus himalayanus P. kaulbacki, Protobothrops (part) Cylindrophis maculatus Cylindrophis (part) Cylindrophis boulengeri Cylindrophis girii D. bifrenalis, Dendrelaphis Dasypeltis scabra zidoki Atractus Drysdalia rhodogaster Drysdalia mastersii Drysdalia mastersii maculatus Platysaurus (part) Platysaurus (part) Platysaurus ocellatus Platysaurus Varanus Varanus indicus Varanus indicus Varanus monticola Anomochilus major Broadleysaurus major Broadleysaurus ornata Furina (part) Atractaspis (part) Atractaspis irregularis Atractaspis reticulate A. congica, Atractaspis engdahli Atractaspis hedraeus Gerrhopilus C

oser 2013l oser 2013ab oser 2013l oser 2013f oser 2013f oser 2013v oser 2013ab oser 2013ac oser 2013l oser 2013ac oser 2013v oser 2013s oser 2013b oser 2013ac oser 2013f oser 2013s oser 2013f oser 2013s oser 2013v oser 2013g oser 2013ac oser 2013f oser 2013af oser 2013ag oser 2013s oser 2013m oser 2013ad oser 2013aa oser 2013v oser 2013af oser 2013ac oser 2013af oser 2013ab oser 2013af oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013v oser 2013s oser 2013ac oser 2013m oser 2013y oser 2013ac H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ibe nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. axon Rank axon subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no gen. no subgen. no subsp subgen. no gen. no subgen. no gen. no gen. no subgen. no subgen. no sp subgen. no subgen. no gen. no tr ssp T tr subgen. no tr sp gen. no subtr tr gen. no subgen. no subsp tr subsp subsp subsp gen. no gen. no subgen. no gen. no gen. no sp gen. no subgen. no

)

Gray 1838] Gray

)

)

)

)

)

Fitzinger 1843] Fitzinger

12 ) )

)

13

)

) [Georgekonstandinouini] ) ) ) A29

[sic] ( Georgekonstandinouous ( Slatteryaspus ( Wellingtonaspus ) Linnaeus 1758]

[Funkisaurusini] [Empagusini; Empagusia [Empagusini;

[ Ctenophorus A29 ( Edwardssaurus ( Macgoldrichsaurus ( Vrljicsaurus

A36

A29, A36

[ Crotalus A36

1. Continued a b le Empugusiini T Taxon Chrysopelea ( Wellsserpens Cottonsaurini Crottyserpens Conantvipera ( Hulimkacordylus Cordylus ( Borneovipera Craspedocephalus ( Ackyserpens Crottyserpens ( Crottyserpens Crottyserpens Crottyvipera Ctenophorini Cummingvipera ( Cylindrophis Cylindrophis ( Macgoldrichea Cylindrophis ( Motteramus Cylindrophis ) wilsoni ( Motteramus Cylindrophis Dannycoleus Dasypeltis saeizadi Drewwilliamsus Drysdalia ( Staszewskius Drysdalia mastersii andrewlowry Drysdalia mastersii robwatsoni Edwardssaurus Edwardssaurus Edwardssaurus Edwardssaurus woolfi ) salvator ( Dendrovaranus Empugusia indicus wellsi Euprepiosaurus Ernieswileus Funkisaurus Funkisaurusiini ornata toddpattersoni Furina Georgekonstandinouiini Georgekonstandinouous Georgekonstandinouous Georgekonstandinouous Georgekonstandinouous carolinehoserae Gerrhopilus Cottonsaurus Cottonvipera Crotalina indicus wellingtoni Euprepiosaurus

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 POINTS OF VIEWXXX 261 errhosaurinae (part) errhosaurinae (part) ecommendation onosaurinae (part) onosaurinae (part) G Z R Gongylosoma nicobariensis mukutense Gongylosoma G. longicauda, quadrilineatus Z. trilineatus, Zonosaurus Hapsidophrys lineatus Hapsidophrys smaragdina Elapognathus tsingyZonosaurus aeneus Zonosaurus brygooiZonosaurus Heloderma haemachatus Hemachatus Suta donaldi Hydrophis (part) Hypsilurus Intellagama haetianus T. greenwayi, Tropidophis Bothrops (part) Bothrocophias Bothrops, superba Diporiphora Ouroborus Karusasaurus, (part) Gloydius fuscus Liasis (part) Anilios bicolor A. pinguis, Anilios aspinus Anilios (part) Anilios grypus Anilios grypus Anilios proximus Anilios (part) Anilios (part) Anilios unguirostris Anilios unguirostris Anilios batillus Anilios silvia Anilios (part) Anilios ammodytes Anilios ligatus Anilios Z G

oser 2013g oser 2013ad oser 2013g oser 2013ac oser 2013s oser 2013w oser 2013z oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013m oser 2013ac oser 2013w oser 2013m oser 2013ac oser 2013g oser 2013j oser 2013ad oser 2003 oser 2013g oser 2013ac oser 2013c oser 2013ac oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013u oser 2013g oser 2013ac oser 2013ab oser 2013z oser 2013m oser 2013ad oser 2013g oser 2013ac oser 2013ae oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013g oser 2013ac oser 2013ac H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. . nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. axon Rank axon subgen. no tr sp subtr gen. no sp subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no tr subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no sp subtr T tr sp gen. no gen. no sp sp gen. no subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no sp subsp subgen. no subgen. no gen. no subgen. no tr tr gen. no subgen. no tr subgen. no subgen. no sp subgen. no tr

Wiegmann 1828] Wiegmann Wiegmann 1828] Wiegmann

14

)

) [sic]

) )

)

)

) )

) ) ) sloppi

Wells and Wellington 1985] Wellington and Wells

)

) ) )

) ) Wiegmann 1829] Wiegmann ) ) Peters 1867] Peters

[Gerrhosaurina; Gerrhosaurus [Gerrhosaurini; Gerrhosaurus ( Raselimananasaurus ( Raxworthysaurus ( Hawkeswoodsaurus ( Nussbaumsaurus

16 [ Intellagama A29, A36 [ Heloderma

A29, A36

3

3 [ Hypsilurus A36 A36

A36 15

1. Continued a b le Gongylosoma ( Paulelliotus Hallabysaurus Hapsidophrys daranini Hapsidophrys pintaudii Hawkeswoodelapidus Hawkeswoodsaurus Hawkeswoodsaurus Hawkeswoodsaurus Helodermini haemachatus macconchei Hemachatus Hulimkini ( Crottyhydrophis Hydrophis Hypsilurini Intellagamini Jackyhoserboa Jackyhoserina Jackyhoserini Jackyhosersaur Katrinahoservipera jackyae Katrinus ( AdelynhosertyphlopsLibertadictus ( Bennetttyphlops Libertadictus ( Buckleytyphlops Libertadictus ( Jackyhosertyphlops Libertadictus ) adelynhoserae ( Jackyhosertyphlops Libertadictus ) cliffrosswellingtoni ( Jackyhosertyphlops Libertadictus ( Kerrtyphlops Libertadictus ( Mantyphlops Libertadictus ( Pattersontyphlops Libertadictus ( Robinwitttyphlops Libertadictus ) jackyhoserae ( Robinwitttyphlops Libertadictus ( Sheatyphlops Libertadictus ( Silvatyphlops Libertadictus ( Slopptyphlops Libertadictus ) richardwellsi ( Slopptyphlops Libertadictus ( Suewitttyphlops Libertadictus T Taxon Gerrhosauriina Gerrhosauriini Gongylosoma ( Avonlovellus Hawkeswoodsaurus Hawkeswoodsaurus Karusasaurini

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 262 XXX POINTS OF VIEW (part) ropeltidae (part)ropeltidae ecommendation U R (part) Anilios tricolor Liopeltis tricolor Liopeltis tricolor Liopeltis rhodogaster L. pattoni, Liophidium rhadinaea L. dimorphus, Liopholidophis irroratum Lycophidion Macrochelys temmincki Macrochelys temmincki Macrochelys engkariensis Cylindrophis suspectum Heloderma Daboia Melanophidium Micrelaps Micrelaps Chelosania Moloch, Montivipera Macrovipera, spilota imbricata Morelia spilota Morelia Namazonurus peersi N. lawrenci, Namazonurus namaquensis Namazonurus himalayanus Gloydius langi Ninsaurus modesta Pseudonaja semiremex Varanus glauerti Varanus tristis orientalis Varanus Oxyrhabdium Oxyrhabdium spinulosus Varanus (part) Uropeltis (part) Uropeltis grandis U. broughami, Uropeltis (part) Uropeltis australis Pseudechis Physignathus ravus Crotalus (part) Platysaurus Varanus

oser 2003 oser 2013h oser 2013s oser 2013i oser 2013i oser 2013af oser 2013i oser 2013i oser 2003 oser 2013g oser 2013ad oser 2013k oser 2013ac oser 2013l oser 2013m oser 2013ac oser 2013l oser 2013h oser 2013z oser 2013z oser 2013l oser 2013k oser 2013ae oser 2013g oser 2013af oser 2013l oser 2013m oser 2013af oser 2013w oser 2013af oser 2013z oser 2013l oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013ad oser 2013f oser 2013m oser 2013g oser 2013h oser 2013ac oser 2013af oser 2013l H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. . nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. axon Rank axon sp ssp gen. no fam. no subfam. no tr fam. no sp subfam. no tr ssp subgen. no tr tr subtr subgen. no subgen. no tr subsp T subsp subgen. no tr gen. no sp subsp subtr tr sp sp subsp sp subgen. no tr subgen. no tr gen. no subtr subgen. no sp gen. no gen. no gen. no

Boulenger 1893] Boulenger Boulenger 1893] Boulenger

Gray 1856] Gray

Wagler 1830] Wagler

Duméril 1851] Duméril

18 ; Macrochelys 19

17

) Stanley et al. 2011] Stanley

Cuvier 1829] Cuvier

Nilson et al. 1999] Nilson ) [sic] ) [sic]

) Smith 1844] Smith

) [Oxyrhabdiuminae; Oxyrhabdium [Oxyrhabdiumidae; Oxyrhabdium

)

)

[Melanophidini; Melanophidium Günther 1864] Melanophidium [Melanophidini; 20 [Macrochelysini 20 [Polydaedalini; Polydaedalus [Polydaedalini;

A29, A36 A29, A36 [Micrelapinae; Micrelaps Boettger 1880] Boettger Micrelaps [Micrelapinae; [Micrelapidae; Micrelaps Boettger 1880] Boettger Micrelaps [Micrelapidae; 3

[ Namazonurus [ Montivipera [Plectrurini; Plectrurus

[Oxyserpenini] [ Physignathus

A29, A36

A29, A36 A29 A29 A29, A36 ( Atikaea ( Slatterysaurus [ Platysaurus A29 A29, A36 A36 A29, A36 [Moloch Gray 1841] Gray [Moloch A36

A29, A36 3

A29

1. Continued a b le T Taxon ( Suewitttyplops Libertadictus tricolor borneoiensis Liopeltis tricolor brummeri Liopeltis tricolor philippinesiensis [sic] Liopeltis ( Mattborgus Liophidium ( Chrisnewmanus Liopholidophis woolfi Lycophidion Macrochelyiini maxhoseri Macrochelys temmincki muscati Macrochelys Manserpens Maxhosersaurus Maxhoserviperina Melanophidiini Micrelapiidae Micrelapiinae Molochini Montiviperina macburniei Morelia mippughae Morelia Namazonurini Namazonurus Namazonurus Ninivipera Ninsaurus modesta wellsi Notopseudonaja Odatria honlami Odatria hoserae Odatria ( Odatria ) tristis nini Oxyrhabdiumiidae Oxyrhabdiumiinae Oxysaurus Oxyserpeniini Oxyserpens Oxyserpens ( Jealousserpens Oxyserpens ( Oxyserpens hoserae Pailsus Physignathini Piersonina Platysaurini Plectruriini Polydaedaliini

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 POINTS OF VIEWXXX 263 ) (part) bushi, V . ( O .) bushi, ) gilleni, , V.) semiremex ( O .) mitchelli ) mitchelli ) glebopalma , V.) brevicauda ( O .) eremius ) hageni ( Parias ( Euprepiosaurus (part) (part) ) mertensi ( Varanus ( Odatria ( Odatria ( Odatria ( Odatria ( Odatria O .) caudolineatus ( ecommendation R ophryomegas P. dunni, Porthidium Porthidium Psammodynastes Psammodynastes Bothrops (part) Bothrops (part) Uropeltis Rhinophis, Gongylosoma, Oreocryptophis Liopeltis, Cyclophiops, rappi Liopeltis okinavensis Ovophis (part) Dendrelaphis sanguineus A. attenuates, A. wagleri, Atractus Varanus Varanus (part) Anilios Boiga kraepelini huttoni Tropidolaemus validus Matobosaurus validus Matobosaurus Buhoma Buhoma Trimeresurus Cordylosaurus Tetradactylus, Thermophis Thermophis Tracheloptychus Trachyboa Tropidolaemus Garthius, Deinagkistrodon, (part) Tropidophis Tropidophis canus Tropidophis caymanensis Tropidophis melanurus Tropidophis panamensis Ungaliophis Varanus Varanus Varanus Varanus Varanus Varanus Varanus

oser 2013i oser 2013i oser 2013z oser 2013j oser 2013j oser 2013l oser 2013j oser 2013af oser 2013z oser 2013af oser 2013ac oser 2013s oser 2013j oser 2013s oser 2013j oser 2013j oser 2013s oser 2013m oser 2013aa oser 2013ac oser 2013af oser 2013af oser 2013ac oser 2013y oser 2013i oser 2013i oser 2013ac oser 2013s oser 2013s oser 2013af oser 2013s oser 2013i oser 2013g oser 2013af oser 2013af oser 2013b oser 2013i oser 2013j oser 2013af oser 2013m oser 2013af H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. . nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. . nov. . nov. ibe nov. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. axon Rank axon fam. no subfam. no tr subgen. no tr tr subgen. no subgen. no gen. no gen. no gen. no gen. no ssp gen. no subtr tr subfam. no subtr gen. no subtr subgen. no subgen. no tr T gen. no V. fam. no subfam. no tr subgen. no gen. no subgen. no subgen. no subfam. no subgen. no tr subgen. no gen. no fam. no subgen. no subsp subtr tr

Boie 1827] Boie

Boie 1827] Boie

Wagler 1830] Wagler

Gray 1838] Gray Bibron 1843] Bibron Malnate 1953] Malnate Malnate 1953] Malnate

Bibron 1843] Bibron

Tropidolaemus

Peters 1860] Peters

Tropidophis

Tropidophis

Garman 1881] Garman Merrem 1820] Merrem

)

) Cope 1871] Cope

) ) [Psammodynastidae; Psammodynastes [Psammodynastidae;

Hemprich 1820] Hemprich

[Psammodynastidae; Psammodynastes [Psammodynastidae; [Tropidolaemusinae; [Tropidolaemusinae;

) ) ) )

) [Shireenhosersaurini]

) [Tetradactylusini; Tetradactylus [Tetradactylusini; [Tropidophiina; [Tropidophiina; [Tropidophiini; [Tropidophiini; A29, A36 A29 [Thermophidae; Thermophis

[Thermophidae; Thermophis A29, A36 A29, A36 ) mitchelli hawkeswoodi )

[Swileserpeninae] [Swileserpenidae] [ Rhinocerophis

[Trachyboaini; Trachyboa [Trachyboaini; 21 A29 A29 A36 [ Porthidium A29, A36 A29, A36 A29, A36 [Rossnolanini] A29, A36 A29, A36 [Swilesaurina] A36 [ Rhinophis [Varanini; Varanus [Varanini; A29, A36 A29

A29

A36

A29, A36 ( Aquativaranus ( Arborhabitatiosaurus ( Honlamus ( Kimberleyvaranus ( Parvavaranus

1. Continued a b le ( Honlamus Varanus T Taxon ( Davievipera Porthidium Porthidiumina Psammodynastiidae Psammodynastiinae Rhinocerophiina ( Blackleyvipera Rhinocerophis Rhinophiini Rossnolaniini Rossnolanus Ryukyuvipera Shaneblackus Shanekingus Shireenhosersaurea Shireenhosersauriini ( Ackytyphlops Sivadictus Slopboiga Sloppvipera Swilesauriina Swilesaurus Swileserpeniidae Swileserpeniinae Swilevipera Tetradactylusiini Thermophiidae Thermophiinae Tracheloptychina Trachyboaiini Tropidolaemusiinae Tropidophiinina Tropidophiinini ( Eseraboa Tropidophis ( Robertbullboa Tropidophis ( Rodwellboa Tropidophis panamensis lovelinayi Ungaliophis Varaniini Varanus Varanus Varanus Varanus Varanus

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 264 XXX POINTS OF VIEW - Bitis Bitis Lophyrus .” Further . “ maccartneyi .” B. m ) pilbarensis ) medoensis ( Viridovipera ) yunnanensis ( Viridovipera ( Odatria . ecommendation onosaurinae (part) R Varanus Trimeresurus Trimeresurus haetianus Tropidophis (part) Tropidophis hendersoni Tropidophis (part) Tropidophis wrighti T. pilsbryi, T. fuscus, Tropidophis maximus Z. maramaintso, Z. boettgeri, Zonosaurus maramaintso Z. boettgeri, Zonosaurus maximus Zonosaurus pungweensis Platysaurus pungweensis Platysaurus storri Varanus Zonosaurus Tracheloptychus Zonosaurus, Z ). In the original the description of their species dilophus ). In H.

Georgekonstandinous mcconchiei . oser 2013j oser 2013af oser 2013s oser 2013ac oser 2013j oser 2013j oser 2013s oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013ac oser 2013j oser 2013af oser 2013j .” This is also the case for the diagnosis of This is also the case for B . “ lenhoseri .” H H H H H H H Citation H H H H H H H H H H remains uncertain.” remains Candoia

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v. v.

v. v. v. v. v. v. v. . nov. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. ib. nov. ib. axon Rank axon subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no tr subgen. no subgen. no subgen. no T tr gen. no gen. no subgen. no subgen. no gen. no gen. no subsp subtr gen. no Tiaris dilophus . it is denoted as Tiaris There, . 46 of their Atlas on Plate dilophe ” applies to the specimen figured Tiare Swainson 1827, a taxon erected for a genus of songbirds in the tanager family (Thraupidae). in the tanager family The use of this for a genus of songbirds erected a taxon 1827, Swainson Tiaris . To create a patronym for an individual with last name McCartney, as stated in the etymology, the proper formproper the is etymology, in the as stated name McCartney, last for an individual with patronym a create To . Duméril and Bibron 1837 (now known as known (now 1837 and Bibron Duméril Tiaris mexicoensis by Hoser (2004) and rejected by Kaiser et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2004) and rejected Hoser by . ” is a verbatim copy of the diagnosis for copy ” is a verbatim Bothrops “ mexicoiensis philippinensis . borneensis and the genus spinipes and the Hypsilurus by Hoser (2004) and rejected by Kaiser et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2004) and rejected Hoser by . The first was by Hoser (2012a), which was rejected by Kaiser et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2012a), which was rejected Hoser The first was by . carolinehoserae Gerrhopilus

by Hoser (2004) and rejected by Kaiser et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2004) and rejected Hoser by Antaresia maculosus brentonoloughlini Antaresia

Boulenger 1887] Boulenger

)

) ) Boulenger 1887] Boulenger

) )

)

) listed here were previously described by Hoser (2004) and rejected by Kaiser et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2004) and rejected Hoser described by previously were listed here reticulatus Malayopython

Chondropython viridis shireenae Chondropython Katrinus fuscus jackyae Katrinus )

[ Zonosaurus of this subgenus by Hoser (2013o) is confusing because of poor grammar, and no species content is formally presented. While the author states that type species for the subgenus is and no species content is formally presented. (2013o) is confusing because of poor grammar, Hoser of this subgenus by

[ Zonosaurus

22,A36

( Lukefabasaurus A36 ( Wellssaurus

( Tonysilvaboa ( Wellsboa ( Wittboa

( Pilbaravaranus

1. Continued G Also descr Also descr H H .” Macrocerastes parvioculaand “ Kuekus , the later text appears to confound subgenera Fig. 4 in Vidal and Hedges (2009) shows that Malagasy boine snakes are part of an unresolved polytomy. part of an unresolved boine snakes are that Malagasy (2009) shows Vidal and Hedges 4 in Fig. et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2012b) and rejected Hoser described by was previously listed here The taxon endemic genus Island phylogenetic position of the Pacific “the 4), (2009:Fig. Vidal and Hedges to According et al. (2013). Kaiser by was rejected (2012b), without the lapsus in spelling. It Hoser described by was previously This taxon et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2012d) and rejected Hoser described by was already listed here The taxon Also described as This is the second description of a species named would be spelling for such a group a proper an individual named Lachlan McConchie, that the name derives from Given et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2012c) and rejected Hoser described by was already listed here The taxon name indicating a Bornean originA proper would be origin name indicating Philippine would be A proper of mites. a group by is preoccupied The name Macrochelidae , Duméril and Bibron (1837:421) list in their observation section that the name “ list in their observation (1837:421) the name section that and Bibron dilophus , Duméril the genus by was preoccupied 1837 and Bibron Duméril the genus name Tiaris However, genus in the definition of a tribe is incorrect. H The tax The definition The entir The subspecies of more, to indicate a Mexican origin, formproper name would be the for Mexican indicate a to more, mccartneyi .

a b le

would be spelling for such a group a proper an individual named George Konstandinou, that the name derives from iven ibed as The subtribe ending -ina conflicts with the designation of this name as a tribe. nov.” trib. Tracheloptychina “Subtribe oser (2013ac) lists this as The subtribe ending -ina conflicts with the designation of this name as a tribe. nov.” trib. Zonosaurina “Subtribe oser (2013ac) lists this as et al. (2013). Kaiser by (2004) and rejected Hoser ibed by

species the group includes in this oser (2013ad) on was also described as diagnosis for putative of the paragraph e first ( Simpsonvipera Viridovipera ( Yunnanvipera Viridovipera Wellingtonboa Wellingtonsaurus Wellsboa Wellsboa Wellsboa Wellssaurus Wellssaurus Wellssaurus Woolfsaurus storri makhani Worrellisaurus Zonosaurina Zonosaurini T Taxon Varanus Wellsboa Woolfsaurini 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 POINTS OF VIEWXXX 265

(2008), to determine which aspects of a body of work are in the and scientific processes, and they have caused significant purview of science and which are not. Taxonomy is based on data discontentment among taxonomists. and argument (a scientific process), and if a disagreement occurs A key issue emerging in this discussion is the position of the over evidence or its interpretation, then alternative taxonomies Code and the ICZN. At their root, the rules and their governing may coexist. Nomenclature, in contrast, is a system of rules body provide zoological taxonomists with a mechanism for the based on general principles, through which the application accounting of taxon names and for resolving disputes arising of taxon names is regulated. It is not based on science, but from the publication of available names. Alas, this mechanism for the system to be meaningful there must be sound scientific is by design not scientific, and it is perhaps better likened to principles underlying the creation of any new taxon name. Thus, a system of legal oversight (Kaiser 2013). These entities were the workflow for proposing new taxon names automatically and not established to influence the scientific processes by which invariably involves first science, using an explicit and transparent taxonomic decisions are made. While this has fostered the scientific process (i.e., a peer-reviewed publication), and then independence of two important regulatory aspects of taxonomy, accounting, with all subsequent information regarding the it has also created a problem: although the nonscientific status of a taxon name derived from accounting (Kaiser 2013). component is strictly governed, the scientific one is not. I While it is true that the Code applies only to nomenclature, given therefore feel I must preface the discussion of the Code’s specifics its overall presentation (including its Preamble, Introduction, by stating that I am a firm proponent of the scientific process, and Code of Ethics), it seems reasonable to assume that reliable a grand, yet imperfect human endeavor by which we produce scientific processes ought to underlie nomenclature. knowledge. If the Code, a tool created by scientists for use by The Code states that its application will be subservient to the scientists to sort out nomenclature, does not unequivocally “promotion of stability and universality in the scientific names support this scientific process (which is the ultimate reason for of animals” (Preamble of the Code; ICZN, 1999). I interpret this the Code’s very existence), then the Code becomes irrelevant as an attempt by the original authors of the Code to ascertain to science. While the Code provides a very valuable service, its that scientific processes must govern the interactions between application must always be congruent with scientific principles, taxonomy and the Code. In my opinion, that is how Article 8.1.1 and not for the protection of the Code in and of itself. The Code must be understood. If it can be shown that scientific principles has adapted (e.g., ICZN 2012), and must continue to adapt, to are violated (i.e., data and argument for the specific case are the realities and demands of modern science, and it must do so not merely poorly interpreted, but missing, erroneously or as the situation demands it (see Harvey and Yanega 2013). The deliberately misrepresented, or entirely outside of acceptable broader issue, therefore, is the use of the scientific method for scientific principles), then the taxonomy and names produced creating knowledge, and the relevance of the Code to that goal. by such means are unscientific. Names produced in this manner Article 8.1.1 of the Code exemplifies how working within the should therefore be considered nomenclaturally void, and framework of the Code and the ICZN creates challenges for those should neither be permitted to receive approval via the Code, contending with names produced by taxonomic vandals. This nor be able to subsequently re-enter the realm of science after article states that for a work to be considered published for the having been “laundered” by the Code (Kaiser 2013). purposes of zoological nomenclature, “it must be issued for the The best practices presented by Kaiser et al. (2013) were purpose of providing a public and permanent scientific record” designed to help taxonomic herpetologists and users of (ICZN 1999). Kaiser et al. (2013) and Schleip (2014) discuss this herpetological taxonomy recognize and sort post-2000 taxon article in relation to Hoser’s output in the AJH. Based on the names, and the publications in which they appeared, into online discussions that have followed (e.g., on Facebook pages acceptable and unacceptable columns. These recommendations and in Taxacom), as well as the presentation of AJH issues 16–18, are universally applicable: a user can take any article and check it it is instructive to revisit the ramifications of this article. against the listed criteria, then make a determination regarding On the surface, glossy presentation and overall production the validity of any taxonomic decision it might contain. Using this of pseudoscientific[2] materials, such as the AJH, may closely approach, Kaiser et al. (2013) were able to declare the post-2000 mimic a scientific journal and can lead to confusion on the part output by the Australian snake aficionado Raymond Hoser void of users, particularly in an applied setting where taxonomic for nomenclatural purposes and provided a corresponding list minutiae may not be verified (e.g., Wüster and Bernils 2011). On of taxon names with nomenclatural validity. The particular issue the back pages of the two most recent issues of the AJH, it is even with Hoser’s output is not only the proposal of taxonomically stated that articles are published “in a peer reviewed journal for unfounded and superfluous reptile names (more than 200 in 2013 permenant public scientific record” (grammar and spelling as in alone; Hoser 2013a–ag), it includes attacks on professional and original). However, presentation and proclamation alone do not non-academic herpetologists who disagree with Hoser’s concept a scientific journal make. Even statements touting compliance of taxonomy, something I perceive to consist of little more than with scientific rules cannot compensate for a lack of rigor in a competitive naming game to him. Following the publication data presentation. For example, Hoser states multiple times of Kaiser et al. (2013) in March of 2013, Hoser worked the online in each issue of the AJH that his articles are designed to be “in social media circuit to discredit the authors and supporters of accordance with the Zoological Code” (e.g., Hoser 2013ac:18), that paper, along with the journal and its editor, as well as the yet they fail scientific principles in even the most basic aspects scientific societies that voted in support of the presented ideas

(e.g., Hoser 2013n). His deportment is in clear violation of the [2] Pseudoscience is an attempt to clothe nonscientific fact in scientific attire Code of Ethics of the Code, as has frequently been stated in online to validate fictional, non-reproducible information. Pseudoscience does not venues. This is perhaps most significantly demonstrated by an pose a question and seek an explanation; it begins with the explanation and exchange between Hoser and ICZN Commissioner Douglas then seeks supportive data. Pseudoscientific statements are generally easy to Yanega in the listserv Taxacom (Hoser 2013ah). These exchanges recognize by the vocal defense that typically accompanies their presentation, unlike science, where the evidence can speak for itself. In contrast to science, are the source of gross misinformation about the relevant issues there is no knowledge gained through pseudoscience.

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014 266 XXX POINTS OF VIEW

of reproducibility and data disclosure. While Hoser indeed works I have encountered the argument that Hoser’s output hard to make the AJH a public and permanent record, it is the merely represents exceptionally poor taxonomy, like that of term “scientific” where he fails the test of Article 8.1.1. In light of some taxonomic vandals outside of herpetology, but with the this, it is highly questionable whether the AJH, in the absence of addition of the many slanderous interpersonal transgressions the Code, would ever obtain permanence in the Scientific Record and name-calling, and that over time scientists will correct (see Dayrat 2005; Minelli 2005). the record. However, Hoser’s prolific output, which as of this Following the best practices of Kaiser et al. (2013), the writing includes well over 600 new taxon names since 2000 contents of the AJH are clearly noncompliant with broadly (the exact number would require close scrutiny because the accepted scientific standards. From an administrative or author tends to describe taxa as new more than once, and he oversight perspective, both an editorial board and associate calls higher taxon names “new” even when their authorship was editors are lacking. Hoser’s role as the only contributor creates already established according to Article 36 of the Code), creates a conflict of interest for the peer-review process given his role significant instability for users of taxonomy in the herpetological as the AJH’s Editor. In terms of editorial quality, a reading of community. Thus, the Code, whose explicit mandate includes any article in the AJH demonstrates that there is no peer review the oversight of stability of scientific zoological nomenclature, despite Hoser’s attestations to the contrary: no person upholding is being co-opted by Hoser as a tool to create confusion in scientific principles and standards of collegial discourse (not to herpetological taxonomy[3]. The issue of taxonomic vandalism mention familiarity with English grammar, paragraph structure, therefore is not merely a matter of working within the Code and or scientific writing) would accept AJH contributions (Carraway exploiting its loopholes; it amounts to an example of treasonous 2009). A scientific journal is not created by proclamation, but conduct in the framework of zoological science. by the consistent production of quality, demonstrably peer- A significant segment of the herpetological community is on reviewed scientific output. record as rejecting the post-2000 names coined by Hoser (Kaiser Regarding the taxonomic details of the articles in AJH issues et al. 2013), and given that these recommendations are being 16–21, Hoser provides ample evidence that the names he implemented in recent papers (e.g., Bates et al. 2013; Reynolds proposes are not based on the scientific study of specimens or et al. 2014; Schleip 2014) and by editors (e.g., Measey 2013), this offered out of scientific necessity, which violates the scientific is likely to become the status quo for reptile taxonomy: science tenets of taxonomy and eliminates the utility of any resulting forges ahead as nonscience is overwritten. Despite this trend, the names. The main interest of Hoser is to have his proposed names position of the Code and the ICZN vis-à-vis Hoser’s nomenclature endure, with the help of the Code. They are not the products of remains unresolved. Those interested in this issue can comment the scientific process, but generated “for completeness” (e.g., on Case 3601 filed by Hoser (2013ai) to preserve the genus name Hoser 2013a:3), which results in names for ranks that are not Spracklandus Hoser 2009 (published in the AJH) over Afronaja informative or useful. Indeed, most appear to be named for the Wallach et al. 2009 (published in Zootaxa). This could prove to be sake of naming them: (1) naming clades for which molecular a landmark case insofar as it pits the value of the scientific process data from peer-reviewed publications may be preliminary or against pseudoscience in nomenclature (Kaiser 2013, 2014). provide weak support, (2) names proposed from holotypes and I assert that one of the best options to resolve the issue of paratypes that Hoser designates, yet has never examined himself, taxonomic vandalism in general, and of the situation described or (3) listing long strings of in-text citations rather than critically herein in particular, is for the ICZN to use its plenary powers reviewing the relevant data from such papers (invariably ending under the Code to declare names proposed by Raymond Hoser with the phrase “and sources cited therein;” this occurs 38 times unavailable for the purposes of nomenclature (Kaiser 2013). To in the 33 papers comprising AJH issues 16–21). Hoser even resolve the problem in herpetology, it would suffice to do so states periodically that he does not want to rehash prior work with names proposed in the AJH, because that is where the most (e.g., Hoser 2013a:4, 2013z:34, 2013ae:38), even when such work egregious offenses against scientific taxonomy have occurred. would support his taxonomic proposals. While this would not prevent Hoser from launching another Some may consider it impossible to differentiate scientific outlet, it would set the precedent that the ICZN will not stand by from nonscientific works so that it can be objectively determined as the system it safeguards is subverted and compromised. which taxonomic decisions should have nomenclatural impact. I disagree. Based on the fundamental processes of science accepted Acknowledgments.—I thank G. Shea for his many insightful and today, developed and refined over centuries, it is a simple task helpful comments on the manuscript and for clarifying the status of to separate poorly executed science from pseudoscience. These the three lizard species for which Kaiser et al. (2013) made incorrect are not matters of free speech or freedom of expression, which recommendations. I am also very grateful to S. Nikolaeva for her help in science are restricted by evidence (Kaiser 2013). If it is not in clarifying the issues relating to Articles 29 and 36 of the Code. I thank A. Koch, M. O’Shea, W. Schleip, V. Wallach, and W. Wüster for science, then it shall not be known as such. This has been amply their assistance in streamlining my ideas and for checking the rec- and successfully demonstrated as evolutionary science defended ommendations in Table 1. itself against Intelligent Design, and it is certainly possible and appropriate in applications to taxonomy. This is not just a question of publishing outlet, but more specifically a question of Note to the reader: In the following list, publications by Raymond whether basic scientific principles are followed or not. Hoser have all errors in punctuation or spelling preserved. Perhaps Hoser’s most recent output is Code-compliant when it comes to the “public” or “permanent” aspects of Article 8.1.1. [3] The most recent example for such confusion is listed in the newest edition After all, the issues of the AJH are bound, available for purchase, of Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (Cogger 2014). The author highlights and are distributed to some public libraries. But the output is by in the account for the genus Silvascincus that readers will likely encounter two names for these lizards, of which the earlier name was rejected by Kaiser et al. no measure “scientific” and clearly in violation of Appendix A of (2013); in the account, the older name is nevertheless only listed second and in the Code (the Code of Ethics). parentheses.

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1840 into six genera, and a revisiting of the Ungaliophiinae to Literature Cited create two subspecies within Ungaliophis panamensis Schmidt, 1933. Australasian J. Herpetol. 17:22–34. Bates, M. F., K. A. Tolley, S. Edwards, Z. David, J. M. da Silva, and W. R. ———. 2013k. In praise of subgenera, with ethics and within the Branch. 2013. A molecular phylogeny of the African plated lizards, rules of zoology: taxonomic status of the snake genera Calliophis genus Gerrhosaurus Wiegmann, 1828 (Squamata: Gerrhosauri- Gray, 1835, Liophidium Boulenger, 1896 and Liopholidophis Moc- dae), with the description of two new genera. Zootaxa 3750:465– quard, 1904 (Serpentes). Australasian J. Herpetol. 17:35–50. 493. ———. 2013l. An overdue new taxonomy for the Rhinophiidae (Uro- Carraway, L. N. 2009. Ethics for and responsibilities of authors, re- peltidae). Australasian J. Herpetol. 17:51–57. viewers and editors in science. American Midland Naturalist ———. 2013m. 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Herpetological Review, 2014, 45(2), 268–272. © 2014 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles The Bold Taxonomic Hypotheses of Collins (1991): 23 Years Later

“Bold ideas, unjustified anticipations, and speculative thought, In the pages of this journal in 1991, Joseph T. Collins published are our only means for interpreting nature: our only organon, our a set of bold hypotheses under an innocuous sounding title: only instrument, for grasping her. And we must hazard them to “Viewpoint: A new taxonomic arrangement for some North win our prize. Those among us who are unwilling to expose their American amphibians and reptiles.” This paper proposed 55 ideas to the hazard of refutation do not take part in the scientific hypotheses about species. Specifically, Collins proposed the game.” Popper (1959:280). elevation of 55 nominal subspecies to species based on the application of the evolutionary species concept (ESC). As BRIAN I. CROTHER defined by Wiley (1978:18), evolutionary species are “... a single Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, lineage of ancestral descendant populations of organisms which Hammond, Louisiana 70402, USA maintains its identity from other such lineages and which has e-mail: [email protected] its own evolutionary tendencies and historical fate.” Wiley (1978:18–19) was quite explicit with regard to the development of

Herpetological Review 45(2), 2014