Editing Template:Taxobox/doc (section)

=== Parameters ===

==== Name ====
{{See also|Wikipedia:Manual of Style#Animals, plants, and other organisms|Wikipedia:Naming conventions (flora)|Wikipedia:Naming conventions (fauna)}}

Provided under this parameter should be the single most common [[vernacular name]] when one is in widespread use, or a single current scientific name otherwise.
* Common names of higher taxa are always given in [[sentence case]] (rather than title case)  and in the plural (e.g. [[marine hatchetfish]]es).
* Common names of species and subspecies are also to be given in sentence case but in the singular (e.g. [[black crowned crane]], [[Colorado potato beetle]]).

The ''name'' parameter should not be used to incorporate more than one name. It is only a header and not meant to be an inclusive "name'''s'''" field. One will suffice.  Please assess the relevant literature in deciding which.

==== Color ====
The ''color'' is automatically assigned based on the entry for a number of ranks from {{para|phylum}} upwards (see [[Template:Taxobox]]). There is normally no need to specify it manually; {{para|color_as}} can be used when color cannot be automatically assigned (e.g. for enigmatic fossils that cannot be assigned to a kingdom).

{{Taxobox colour scheme}}

==== Classification ====
As noted above, the classification section includes some or all of the following:

<syntaxhighlight lang="text" style="overflow:auto">
| regnum  = 
| phylum  = 
| classis = 
| ordo    = 
| familia = 
| genus   = 
| species = 
</syntaxhighlight>

Each entry corresponds to a containing group, except for the last, which should be the group under consideration. Note the entries use the ''Latin'' names for the ranks, to make porting between Wikipedias easier. Thus the above correspond to the kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

{{Taxobox
| name               = Red wood ant
| regnum             = [[Animalia]]
| phylum             = [[Arthropoda]]
| classis            = [[Insecta]]
| ordo               = [[Hymenoptera]]
| familia            = [[Formicidae]]
| subfamilia         = [[Formicinae]]
| tribus             = [[Formicini]]
| genus              = ''[[Formica]]''
| species            = '''''F. rufa'''''
| binomial           = ''Formica rufa''
| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1761
}}

Taxoboxes should include all major ranks above the taxon described in the article, plus minor ranks that are important to understanding the classification of the taxon described in the article, or which are discussed in the article. Other minor ranks should be omitted.

For example, in the taxobox for the genus ''[[Formica]]'', it's appropriate to include entries for tribe and subfamily, since those are an aid to understanding how ''Formica'' relates to other genera in the family [[Formicidae]]. But it wouldn't be appropriate to include the superorder [[Holometabola]], since all genera of ants are in that superorder; it isn't particularly interesting at this level.

Another example is the subfamily [[Bambusoideae]], the bamboos. This subfamily probably should be mentioned in the taxobox of every bamboo species, since it is a major grouping in this context, despite its minor rank.

Minor ranks are included in the same way as major ranks, for example:

<syntaxhighlight lang="text" style="overflow:auto">
| classis    = ...
| subclassis = ...
| superordo  = ...
| ordo       = ...
</syntaxhighlight>

Note that species and subspecies should be given using the abbreviated forms of their name—e.g. ''H. sapiens'', ''H. s. sapiens''.  The epithets should not be given by themselves. The full form of the species or subspecies name is given in the binomial or trinomial section.

See [[#All parameters]] for a complete list.

===== Classification status =====
With the {{para|classification_status}} parameter, it is possible to introduce extra text within parentheses after "Scientific classification". For example, {{para|classification_status|disputed}} will produce "[[Taxonomy (biology)|Scientific classification]] (disputed)". See ''[[Baranophrys]]'' for a current example where this parameter is used. This parameter should only be used when the "Scientific classification" text would be misleading without it.

===== Divisions and sections =====
These ranks have different meanings in zoology and botany. 

In botany:
* Use '''divisio''' for division (a rank above class and below kingdom)
* Use '''sectio''' for section (a rank above species and below genus)

Note: Certain very large genera, e.g. ''Rhododendron'' include subsections

In zoology:
* Use '''zoodivisio''' for division (a rank above family and below order)
* Use '''zoosectio''' for section (a rank above family and below order)

===== Unranked taxa =====
For each major taxon from family to phylum, you can add an unranked entry to the taxobox. The entry {{mono|unranked_X}} appears above rank X, for example {{mono|unranked_superfamilia}} appears above family and superfamily and below order, suborder, infraorder, etc.:

<syntaxhighlight lang="text" style="overflow:auto">
| ordo                  = 
| unranked_superfamilia = 
| familia               = 
</syntaxhighlight>

For animals and non-flowering plants, use unranked taxa sparingly. The need to include unranked taxa generally indicates that you are following [[phylogenetic nomenclature]]. It is usually better to abbreviate the classification to the major ranks and then discuss the classification in more detail in the article.

====== Unranked taxa of flowering plants ======
[[Flowering plant]]s (angiosperms) make frequent use of unranked taxa. The [[APG III system]] of classification used for flowering plants on Wikipedia does not have formally named ranks above order—e.g. divisions, classes, subclasses—but includes several hierarchically nested, informally named and unranked clades. For flowering plants the taxobox should include {{para|unranked_divisio|[[Angiosperms]]}} in place of {{para|divisio}}, {{para|unranked_classis}} in place of {{para|classis}}, and possibly also {{para|unranked_subclassis}} in place of {{para|subclassis}}. Flowering plant taxoboxes may often include three to four informal hierarchical groups above the rank of order, making the use of {{para|unranked_ordo}} necessary, which sorts itself just above {{para|ordo}} where a formally named order is displayed. The unranked parameters only include ranks in their parameter names, such as "unranked '''divisio'''" to allow the editor to place content hierarchically; no approximation of rank is intended by the use of these parameter names. For flowering plant articles using the APG III system of classification, the regular parameters including {{para|divisio}}, {{para|classis}}, and {{para|subclassis}} should not be used or it will display between these unranked APG III clades.

To comply with [[#Classification]] above and its advice on the inclusion of major ranks, the following are considered major ranks in APG III and currently included in the appropriate flowering plant taxoboxes:
{{tree list}}
*[[Angiosperms]]
**[[Magnoliids]]
**[[Monocots]]
***[[Commelinids]]
**[[Eudicots]]
***[[Core eudicots]] (displayed as a major rank when the plant is not included further nested in rosids or asterids)
****[[Rosids]]
****[[Asterids]]
{{tree list/end}}
Note: The rosids contain two clades, the [[fabids]] (also known as [[eurosids I]]) and [[malvids]] (also known as [[eurosids II]]), and the asterids contain two further clades, the [[lamiids]] ([[euasterids I]]) and [[campanulids]] ([[euasterids II]]). These are considered to be minor ranks and are only to be displayed on the articles on orders or families they immediately contain.

A taxobox for a flowering plant will thus generally include the following parameters:
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
| regnum             = [[Plantae]]
| unranked_divisio   = [[Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis   =
| unranked_ordo      =
| ordo               = 
</syntaxhighlight>

==== Bold/italic markup ====
Italicization must be done manually in all parameters.  If the entry for genus, species or binomial (with manually added italics) matches the page title,<ref group=note>If the page is called, for example, "Homo (genus)", then the taxobox will display "''Homo''" and the page title "''Homo'' (genus)".</ref> then the name of the taxobox ''and'' the title of the page will be italicized.  Note that if the {{para|name}} parameter is used the page title will not be automatically italicized. The taxobox's name will be set to exactly what is specified in {{para|name}}&nbsp;&ndash; italics must be specified manually in this case.

Genus, species, and subspecies should be italicized whenever used, as is the biological standard.  For instance, we talk about the genus ''Homo'', the species ''Homo sapiens'', and the subspecies ''Homo sapiens sapiens''.
* In botany, it is important to include the rank for taxa below species.  The rank is not italicized, e.g. ''Genus species'' subsp. ''subspecies'' var. ''variety''.
* Some bacteria that have been characterized but not formally named are given ''[[Candidatus]]'' names.  These should be written in the form ''[[Candidatus]]'' Genus species, rather than italicized normally.
Higher taxa like families may or may not be italicized in different publications.  The prevalent standard for Wikipedia is not to italicize them, except in the case of [[virus]]es and other infectious particles.

Bolding is used to indicate the subject of the article.  The {{para|name}}, {{para|binomial}}, and {{para|trinomial}} parameters bold automatically.  In the placement section—{{para|regnum}} through {{para|species}}—the final taxon should be bolded, as well as any higher groups that only include the final taxon.  See [[green sulfur bacteria]] for an example.

==== Subdivisions ====
{{Taxobox
| name              = Nettle
| regnum            = [[Plantae]]
| unranked_divisio  = [[Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis  = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo     = [[Rosids]]
| ordo              = [[Rosales]]
| familia           = [[Urticaceae]]
| genus             = '''''Urtica'''''
| genus_authority   = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision       = {{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* ''U. angustifolia''
* ''U. ardens''
* ''U. atrichocaulis''
* ''U. atrovirens''
* ''U. cannabina''
* ''U.&nbsp;chamaedryoides''
* ''[[Urtica dioica|U. dioica]]''
* ''U. dubia''
* ''[[Urtica ferox|U. ferox]]''
* ''U. fissa''
* ''[[Urtica dioica galeopsifolia|U. galeopsifolia]]''
* ''U. gracilenta''
* ''U. hyperborea''
* ''[[Urtica incisa|U. incisa]]'' 
* ''U. kioviensis''
* ''U. laetivirens'' 
* ''U. linearifolia''
* ''U. mairei''
* ''U.&nbsp;membranacea''
* ''U. morifolia''
* ''U. parviflora''
* ''U. pilulifera'' 
* ''U. platyphylla''
* ''U. pubescens''
* ''U. rupestris''
* ''U. sondenii''
* ''U. taiwaniana''
* ''[[Urtica thunbergiana|U. thunbergiana]]''
* ''U. triangularisa''
* ''[[Urtica urens|U. urens]]''
}}
}}
Groups above the rank of species (and even species if there are several notable subspecies) should usually include a list of subgroups.  Use the {{para|subdivision}} parameter for the list. The list can be formatted using a number of templates, such as the specialized {{tl|linked taxon list}} and {{tl|linked species list}}, which deal with authorities as well (see the documentation at [[Template:Taxon list]] for variant templates), or using a general list template such as {{tl|columns-list}}. Use the {{para|subdivision_ranks}} parameter to say what rank the subgroups have.  For instance, for families in an order:

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
| subdivision_ranks = Families
| subdivision       =
  {{linked taxon list
  |Family1|Authority1
  |Family2|Authority2
  |Family3|Authority3
  }}
</syntaxhighlight>

For lists with more than a few subgroups, the list can be bracketed with {{tl|div col}} and {{tl|div col end}}, which will split the list into two columns (''see '''Nettle''' example at right'').  In cases where a list would make the taxobox too long, or where the classification is too variable to allow a brief summary, the list should be replaced with a comment like "See text" or the subdivision section should be omitted. As a [[rule of thumb]], when there are more than 100 subgroups the list should be in a separate article.

In cases where the classification is variable, a description like "Typical orders" or "Notable orders" may be used.

In cases where the ranks are uncertain, a description like "Subgroups" or "Taxa" may be preferable. Sometimes it is convenient to represent more than one level of classification in the list.  In that case the lower level groups are moved over to the right by prefixing them with &amp;nbsp; characters—usually three for the first level of indentation, and then one to three more for each subsequent level.  Major grades may also be represented by bolded headers, as on [[plant]] and [[heterokont]].  Remember, though, these should mainly be done when the intermediate rank subgroups are not worthy of separate articles; taxoboxes are too small to include too much duplicate information.

==== Conservation status ====
{{Main|Wikipedia:Conservation status}}
[[File:Status iucn3.1.svg|thumb|[[Wikipedia:Conservation status#IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria v3.1 (since 2001)|IUCN from 2001]]  (IUCN3.1)]]
[[File:Status iucn2.3.svg|thumb|[[Wikipedia:Conservation status#IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria v2.3 (1994-2000)|IUCN from 1994]] (IUCN2.3)]]
[[File:Status TNC.svg|thumb|Global [[Wikipedia:Conservation status#TNC G-ranks and T-ranks|NatureServe status]] (TCN)]]
[[File:Status ESA.svg|thumb|U.S. [[Wikipedia:Conservation status#USA: ESA|Endangered Species Act]] (ESA)]]
[[File:Status COSEWIC.svg|thumb|Canada's [[Wikipedia:Conservation status#Canada: COSEWIC Species at Risk Act/SARA|Species at Risk/SARA]] (COSEWIC)]]
[[File:Status EPBC.svg|thumb|Australia's [[Wikipedia:Conservation status#Australia: EPBC (national)|Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation]] (EPBC)]]
[[File:Status DECF.svg|thumb|Western Australia's [[Wikipedia:Conservation status#Australia: DECF (Western Australia)|Declared Rare and Priority Flora List]] (DECF)]]
[[File:Status 2008 NZTCS.svg|thumb|[[Wikipedia:Conservation status#New Zealand: NZTCS|New Zealand Threat Classification System]] (NZTCS)]]

''Conservation status'' may optionally be included to show a graphical view of the conservation status. It is composed from a set of parameters according to the following structure:

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto;">
|status = code
|status_system = classification system—required if code is set
|status_ref = <ref>...</ref>—optional
|extinct = year of extinction—optional (only use if |status=EX and year of extinction is known)
</syntaxhighlight>

Notes:

# Conservation status is not appropriate for prehistoric organisms—use the {{para|fossil_range}} parameter.
# Some automated taxoboxes also use {{para|extinct}} for a different purpose—see [[Template:Speciesbox#Extinct species]].

===== Status system =====
There are several organizations declaring conservation status, and this has led to different classification and criteria. For this reason a status level must also be specified together with the classification system used.

The recommended '''status_system''' to use is ''IUCN3.1'', but if not available for the species, other systems are supported. Details and other systems are listed at [[Wikipedia:Conservation status]]. Images to the right provide examples of the available systems, both international and national. ''IUCN2.3'' is deprecated for new boxes, although some taxoboxes still exist and are supported for this version.

This parameter is '''required''' in order to display the proper conservation status graphic. Failure to use this parameter will result in no graphic appearing.

===== Status code =====
Set the relevant status '''code''' from the selected system. The code should use upper and lower case as specified [[Wikipedia:Conservation status|per system documentation]]. It may also be possible to use a template instead of the code{{Citation needed|date=September 2019|reason=Is this still supported, and when is it useful?}}.

You can search the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]]'s [http://www.iucnredlist.org/ database of threatened species] to find the conservation status of many organisms.

With each system having different codes, please refer to [[Wikipedia:Conservation status|system documentation]] for the available codes.

The following list is kept in the documentation for historic reasons (the third column shows the category that is automatically added to the article):

:{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+IUCN statuses in taxoboxes
!scope="col"| Status (as shown in taxobox)
!scope="col"| Code
!scope="col"|Category assigned
|-
!scope="row"| Secure
| secure<ref name="invalid" group="IUCN" /> ||
|-
!scope="row"| Domesticated
| DOM<ref name="invalid" group="IUCN" /> || [[:Category:Domesticated animals]]
|-
!scope="row"| Least Concern (LC)
| LC ||
|-
!scope="row"| Least Concern (LR/lc)
| LR/lc ||
|-
!scope="row"| [[Near Threatened]] (NT)
| NT ||
|-
!scope="row"| [[Near Threatened]] (LC/nt)
| LR/nt ||
|-
!scope="row"| [[Conservation Dependent]] (LR/cd)
| LR/cd ||
|-
!scope="row"| [[Vulnerable species|Vulnerable]] (VU)
| VU ||
|-
!scope="row"| [[Endangered species|Endangered]] (EN)
| EN || [[:Category:Endangered species]]
|-
!scope="row"| [[Critically Endangered]]
| CR || [[:Category:Critically endangered species]]
|-
!scope="row"| [[Critically Endangered]] (CR), possibly extinct
| PE || Category:Critically endangered species
|-
!scope="row"| Extinct&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;wild (EW)
| EW || [[:Category:Species extinct in the wild]]
|-
!scope="row"| Extinct
| EX ||
|-
!scope="row"| Data deficient (DD)
| DD ||
|-
!scope="row"| ''Not evaluated'' (NE)
| NE ||
|-
!scope="row"| Fossil
| fossil<ref name="invalid" group="IUCN">This is not a valid IUCN Red List category</ref><ref name="fossil" group="IUCN">{{para|status|fossil}} is deprecated in favour of {{para|fossil_range}} {{tlx|fossil range}} (see the [[#Fossil range]] section below).</ref> ||
|-
!scope="row"| Prehistoric
| pre<ref name="invalid" group="IUCN" /> ||
|-
!scope="row"| See text
| See text<ref name="invalid" group="IUCN" /> ||
|-
!scope="row"| Lower Risk
| {{deltext|1=LR}}<ref name="invalid" group="IUCN" /><ref name="LR" group="IUCN">{{var|LR}} is deprecated; use {{var|LR/lc}} or {{var|LR/nt}} or {{var|LR/cd}} instead.</ref> ||
|}

'''Notes''':
{{Reflist|group=IUCN|close}}

===== Referencing conservation status =====
To add a reference for the status, use:
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext">
| status_ref = <ref>{{Cite journal | author = |title = | journal = [[The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]] | volume = | page = | publisher = [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]] | date = | url = | doi = | access-date = }}</ref>
</syntaxhighlight>

See {{tlx|Cite journal}} or {{tlx|Cite iucn}} for the parameters you need to supply to that template. And don't forget that {{xtag|ref}} requires a corresponding {{tlx|Reflist}} or {{xtag|references|s}} in the References section.

==== Fossil range ====
The stratigraphic range for groups known as fossils may also be included, using the {{para|fossil_range}} parameter.  For instance, for a group known from the [[Cambrian]] to the [[Permian]]:

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
 |fossil_range = [[Cambrian]]–[[Permian]]
</syntaxhighlight>

You may wish to add a diagrammatic representation of the fossil range (as shown below), which can be created using the {{tl|Fossil range}} template, for example:
{{image frame|content={{fossil range|Cambrian|Permian}} }}

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
  | fossil_range = {{fossil range|Cambrian|Permian}}
</syntaxhighlight>

or

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
  | fossil_range = {{fossil range|542|250}} [[Cambrian]]–[[Permian]]
</syntaxhighlight>

For [[Extant taxon|extant]] taxa that continue into the present day, the ending period should be set to "Recent" or as "Holocene" for Late Quaternary extinctions such as the [[moa]], and the current status should be indicated using the {{para|status}} parameter. 

For groups that only existed during a single period, simply list it without giving a range: e.g.:
{{image frame|content={{fossil range | Silurian}} }}

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
 | fossil_range = {{fossil range|Silurian}} 
</syntaxhighlight>

==== Images ====
An image can be included using the parameter {{para|image}}. It is highly recommended that an image be provided if one is available. Do ''not'' include the "File:" part of the image file name!

If an image is included, [[alt text]] should be provided using parameter "{{para|image_alt}}". Alt text should not repeat the caption; instead, it should describe the image contents to someone who can't see it (see [[WP:ALT]]).

A caption can be provided using parameter "{{para|image_caption}}". A caption need not be provided if it would just repeat the title of the article. It should be provided if it can convey any additional information about the image, such as the sex or life stage of the individual, the location where the picture was taken, the artist (if an engraving or other illustration), or (for higher taxa) the particular species depicted.
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto; font-size:80%">
| image         = Sweetbay1082.jpg
| image_alt     = White flower surrounded by long green leaves
| image_caption = ''Magnolia virginiana''
</syntaxhighlight>

By default, the image width is determined by each user's default thumbnail size preference. In general, it is recommended that these preferences be honoured. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to overrule the default size; this can be achieved by use of the {{para|image_upright}} parameter, which scales the image. Thus {{para|image_upright|1.1}} makes the image 10% larger than the user's default thumbnail size; {{para|image_upright|0.75}} makes it 25% smaller. See [[MOS:IMGSIZE]] for more information.

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto; font-size:80%">
| image         = Sweetbay1082.jpg
| image_alt     = White flower surrounded by long green leaves
| image_caption = ''Magnolia virginiana''
| image_upright = 1.45
</syntaxhighlight>

Long or complex image captions, which should rarely be necessary, look better when left-aligned. This can be achieved using "{{para |image_caption_align|left}}".

A second image may be added by use of the {{para|image2}}, {{para|image2_alt}}, {{para|image2_caption}} and {{para|image2_upright}} parameters. Use this sparingly, and only when the article is long enough, ''and'' when it makes sense to include the second image inside the taxobox and not later in the article. [[Camel]] is a good example (a genus with two well-known representatives). A second image may also be useful for species that display [[sexual dimorphism]] so that both a male and female representative could be shown, e.g. [[Northern cardinal]].

==== Authorities ====
Generally, an authority should be given only for the taxa covered by the article. Higher groups which only include the article subject should also list authorities unless those are the same as for the taxa in question. In the case of species (or subspecies) the authority may be given in the ''binomial'' (or ''trinomial'') section.  Otherwise authorities may be listed in the placement section.  For instance, for an order:

<syntaxhighlight lang="text" style="overflow:auto">
| ordo = 
| ordo_authority = 
</syntaxhighlight>

The following examples illustrate the different conventions for names, dates, and punctuations in the different kingdoms.
* Animalia
** Original name valid: '''''Homo sapiens''''' {{small|1=[[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758}}
** Organism reclassified: '''''Panthera leo''''' {{small|1=([[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758)}} (originally ''Felis leo'')
* Plantae
** Original name valid: '''''Magnolia virginiana''''' {{small|1=[[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]}}
** Organism reclassified: '''''Anacamptis pyramidalis''''' {{small|1=([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Louis Claude Richard|Rich.]]}} (originally ''Orchis pyramidalis'')
* Bacteria
** Original name valid: '''''Vibrio cholerae''''' {{small|1=[[Robert Koch|R. Koch]] 1883}}
** Organism reclassified: '''''Streptococcus pneumoniae''''' {{small|1=(Klein 1884) Chester 1901}} (originally ''Micrococcus pneumoniae'')
** Old name revived: '''''Salmonella enterica''''' {{small|1=(ex Kauffmann & Edwards 1952) Le Minor & Popoff 1987}}

Authorities in scientific names are also abbreviated according to different standards for plants and animals.  To decipher standard abbreviations, see
* [[List of botanists by author abbreviation]] or consult the [http://www.ipni.org/ International Plant Names Index].
* [[List of zoologists by author abbreviation]]
For more information refer to the article on [[binomial nomenclature]].

==== Diversity ====
In higher taxa, and taxa where the subdivision option does not indicate number of species, the {{para|diversity}} parameter may be used.  This needs to be accompanied by {{para|diversity_link}} which links to an appropriate page, usually a ''List of ... species'' page.  See, for example, ''[[Banksia]]'': the subdivision lists only two subgenera, so the {{para|diversity}} option is used to specify the number of species.

<syntaxhighlight lang="text" style="overflow:auto; font-size:80%">
| diversity_link = List of Quercus species
| diversity = c. 120 species
</syntaxhighlight>

It is ''not'' a good idea to be too precise about the number of species. New species are still being regularly described in many groups. Moreover, changing systematic treatment is liable to alter the species number even in well-known genera. Rounding off the species number and denoting this as approximate value will help decreasing maintenance.

Use the {{para|diversity_ref}} parameter to give references for the number of species, for example:
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto; font-size:80%">
| diversity_ref = <ref>Hershler and Longley, 1986, p.&nbsp;127</ref>
</syntaxhighlight>

==== Range maps ====
A range map may be included at the end of the taxobox.  This uses the {{para|range_map}}, {{para|range_map_upright}}, {{para|range_map_alt}}, and {{para|range_map_caption}} parameters, in the same manner as an image.  Specifying range map width is unnecessary in most cases.  See [[leopard]] (land animal), [[northern flicker]] (non-migratory bird), [[lesser spotted eagle]] (migratory bird) and [[orca]] (water animal) for examples.

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
| range_map         = Map.jpg
| range_map_upright = 1.1
| range_map_alt     = Map showing ...
| range_map_caption = Range of ...
</syntaxhighlight>

Up to four range maps can be included, via additional parameters such as {{para|range_map2}}, {{para|range_map2_caption}}, etc.

You can generate maps using an appropriate blank map such as [[:Image:BlankMap-World-noborders.png]]. Do not make the distribution map too large (a width of 300 to 400 should be sufficient, the purpose of the map being a rough global overview; more detailed maps can always go to the article body) and add the map to [[:Category:Habitat maps]], or, preferably, if you upload the map to Commons, to [[:commons:Category:Animal distribution maps]].

==== Synonyms ====
Where a species has synonyms, the {{para|synonyms}} parameter may be used.  The list of synonyms can be formatted using the same approach as for [[#Subdivisions|Subdivisions]], but synonyms should not normally be linked, so e.g. {{tl|Taxon list}} should be used for taxa whose names aren't italicized and {{tl|Species list}} for those whose names are.

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
| synonyms =
  {{Species list
  |Species1|Authority1
  |Species2|Authority2
  }}
</syntaxhighlight>

[http://ubio.org/NomenclatorZoologicus/ Nomenclator Zoologicus] has data for all but the most recently established animal [[genera]]. This may be hard to understand for non-specialists, but it is a comprehensive source for the authorship of genus names, both valid ones and junior synonyms. Sometimes one will note that a new name has been established because the older, original name was "preoccupied". This means it has already been established for another [[taxon]] of the same [[Linnaean taxonomy|rank]] in the same [[kingdom (biology)|kingdom]] before—even if that name is now a synonym too. Taxa that preoccupy a name can be linked in the Synonyms section, such as ''Stenorhynchus'' [[Trembler|here]].

Long lists may be folded using {{para|hidden|yes}} with any of the taxon list templates. Alternatvely, use {{tlx|collapsible list|2=bullets=true|3=...}}; this prevents the use of {{tl|Taxon list}}, so use {{tl|au}} appropriately. Heterotypic, dubious, or fungal anamorphic/teleomorphic synonyms may be listed separately if needed.

Use {{para|synonyms_ref}} to give references for the synonym list, for example:
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto; font-size:80%">
| synonyms_ref = <ref>Smith and Jones, 2009, p.&nbsp;5</ref>
</syntaxhighlight>

==== Type species ====
When the [[type species]] of a genus (or larger grouping) is known, the {{para|type_species}} and {{para|type_species_authority}} can be used.

For botanical entries, i.e. names under the [[International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants]] (ICNafp), the currently accepted name in the genus should be used. The term "type species" does not occur in the ICNafp, but is used here for convenience. The [http://botany.si.edu/ing/ Index Nominum Genericorum] is a useful source of information and can be used as a reference.

For animal entries, i.e. names under the [[International Code of Zoological Nomenclature]] (ICZN), the type species should be the {{em|original}} binomial name of the type species, but linked to its current article, and the authority should be plain (no parentheses). See ''[[Giant mouse lemur|Mirza]]'' for a type species example.

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" style="overflow:auto">
| type_species           = <!-- the original name of the species that was initially used to describe the genus, without regard to its present-day nomenclature -->
| type_species_authority =
</syntaxhighlight>

This follows ICZN Recommendation 67B; be aware that this means the taxon used by the genus' original author—even if it is now invalid, e.g. a [[junior synonym]]. Ideally, it should only be used if the genus' original description can be verified first-hand. As per the following example given by the ICZN:

<blockquote>''Astacus marinus'' Fabricius, 1775, one of the nominal species originally included in the decapod crustacean genus ''Homarus'' Weber, 1795, was subsequently designated by Fowler (1912) as the type species of ''Homarus''. The type species is, and should be cited as, ''Astacus marinus'' Fabricius, 1775. ''Astacus marinus'' Fabricius is currently synonymized with ''Cancer gammarus'' Linnaeus, 1758, but the latter is not the type species of ''Homarus'' and should not be cited as such. If mention of the type species is required it should be made in some such manner as "Type species ''Astacus marinus'' Fabricius, 1775, a junior synonym of ''Cancer gammarus'' Linnaeus, 1758"; or "Type species ''Astacus marinus'' Fabricius, 1775, now regarded as a synonym of ''Homarus gammarus'' (Linnaeus, 1758)".</blockquote>

If you do not completely understand what this all means, please ''do not use this parameter''. Instead, if possible denote the type species in the species listing, for example with a

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext">{{small|1=([[type species]])}}</syntaxhighlight>

after the species' (currently valid) name.