Grammar class

[RZL36]

Should I italicize scientific names? Do they have to be? I've seen it both ways. Was English major, but this out of my range.

[adamanteus]

I don't think it really matters (here, anyway). I always use italics when using scientific names, I believe it to be standard practice...but I'm sure it's not compulsory! Many people don't use scientific names at all.

[Lori P]

Many people can't remember the common names, forget the scientific names... heck, many people can't remember what they had for breakfast this morning.... :-) :-)

[adamanteus]

I think the use of scientific names is good practice....common names can vary so much, they can be local, regional, national or simply 'made up' (Golden Garter?!!!) If you use the recognised scientific name everyone knows what you're talking about, there can be no confusion. Whether or not you use italics...I can't see why that matters...I just do.

[RZL36]

Thanks James

[GrapefruiTgirl]

I agree that if nothing else, it would be beneficial to others to atleast (when appropriate) identify your own pet's scientific name so that we might slooooowly learn some more scientific names of the snakes we personally do not have/have in our area.
As to whether they're italicized, or in brackets or whatever, it doesn't really matter, but it is good practice. Italics can help readers subconsciously skip over the scientific part too, if they choose to 'read around it'.
After much hesitation and mind-changing, I have finally determined that my snaky must be a 'Maritime Garter' (thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus) .

[enigma200316]

where is the pics did I miss them.............

[GrapefruiTgirl]

Are you asking me, enigma? If so, I haven't taken any yet. Just finished installing some digital camera software on my machine, so I can download from this camera. It works great, but Snaky isn't out and about tonight, so hopefully tomorrow.

[Stefan-A]

Should I italicize scientific names? Do they have to be? I've seen it both ways. Was English major, but this out of my range.

Yes, but I don't think that many will be upset if you don't. And don't forget, only the genus begins with a capital letter.

[drache]

I'd just like to add that it amuses me no end when I see lengthy discussions about which latin name is now correct for some kingsnake or chiclid when some scientists decide that they now belong to a different species, and nobody knows what the heck is going on and if you get a book that's new or too old . . .
but I agree
on the whole there's quite a bit more consensus on use of scientific names
they're just not entirely free of controversy either