How to describe a new species in zoology and avoid mistakes Author Braby, Michael F. Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601 and Australian National Insect Collection, National Research Collections Australia, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia michael.braby@anu.edu.au Author Hsu, Yu-Feng Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan 116, Republic of China Author Lamas, Gerardo Departamento de Entomología, Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Arenales 1256, Apartado 14 - 0434, Lima- 14, Peru text Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 2024 2024-05-03 202 4 1 16 https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae043 journal article 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae043 0024-4082 14764103

Table 3. Guidelines for the description of a new species based on 11 practical steps (modified from Šlapeta 2013).

Step 1	Conduct taxonomic research and determine species boundaries in relation to testable and falsifiable hypotheses.
Step 2	Become familiar with rules, recommendations and terminology of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.
Step 3	Review primary taxonomic literature and collate all available names (i.e. previously described names) and descriptions of similar species.
Step 4	Examine (and photograph) type material of available names of similar species.
Step 5	Construct new species’ name correctly.
Step 6	Select holotype (name-bearing type specimen) that is representative of new species.
Step 7	Prepare high quality illustrations of type material, especially holotype.
Step 8	Prepare description according to accepted taxonomic standards for the taxon group.
Step 9	Prepare differential diagnosis based on comparative evidence.
Step 10	Register manuscript (and preferably new species’ name) in ZooBank for electronic-only publication.
Step 11	Publish research findings in reputable taxonomic journal.