Database of holotypes and other nomenclatural types
Database of holotypes from paleontological collections
The Holotype Database was created in 2012 as a result of a collaboration agreement between the ICGC and the Geological Museum of the Seminary of Barcelona (MGSB) with the aim of facilitating online consultation of the holotypes deposited in this institution. In 2019, the database was expanded and the nomenclatural type collections -holotypes, syntypes, lectotypes and neotypes- of the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona were added, creating the current Holotype and Other Nomenclatural Type Database.
According to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the nomenclatural type(s) or portanom type is the specimen or set of specimens on which an author establishes a nominal taxon at the species or subspecies level at the time of publication of the original. That is, this specimen or set of type specimens is preserved in a specific place (usually a museum) and has served as material to describe a new species that was previously unknown to science. For this reason, nomenclatural types are considered of special relevance within the vast set that constitute scientific collections, especially paleontological ones. Their correct conservation and dissemination are key factors in the management of these collections.
The database of holotypes and other nomenclatural types, in Catalan, is freely accessible and aims to be a space dedicated to the dissemination and enhancement of a relevant part of the paleontological heritage.
● Last update: May 2025. ● Records: 1438 specimens and 2720 photographs.
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1. Nomenclatural type
Holotip/Holotype: A single specimen, designated by the author as the type of a new species or subspecies at the time of its publication. | Lectotip/Lectotype: A fossil specimen chosen from among the syntypes as the type specimen of the species or subspecies, subsequent to the original description. | Neotip/Neotype: A fossil individual very close to the description of the original holotype and which replaces it when it is missing. | Sintip/Syntype: Any of the specimens cited in describing a new species when no specific individual has been chosen.