Micropterus Nigricans
/ˌmaɪkroʊˈptərəs naɪˈɡrɪkənz/noun
A scientific binomial historically applied to the smallmouth bass, now generally treated as a synonym of Micropterus dolomieu.
Did you know?The name’s “wing” component does not imply flight: Greek pteron was also used for fins, feathers, and winglike anatomical structures in scientific naming.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
mikros
“Small; little”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pteron
“Wing, feather, or winglike structure”
Classical Latin
Latin
niger
“Black or dark-colored”
Late Latin
Latin
nigricans
“Becoming black or blackish; the present participle of nigricare”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Micropterus
“A taxonomic genus name meaning “small-winged,” formed from Greek roots”
1828
Scientific Latin
Micropterus nigricans
“A species name recorded by Georges Cuvier, literally “small-winged, blackish””
Modern English
Taxonomy
Micropterus nigricans
“A historical scientific name associated with the smallmouth bass and commonly treated as a synonym of Micropterus dolomieu”
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