Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Responsive image
Issue: Vol. 5857 No. 2: 29 Jul. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-07-29
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.2
Page range: 242-256
Abstract views: 546
PDF downloaded: 29

An Inconvenient Truth: Response to Wüster et al. (2025) Zootaxa 5696 (3): 385–397. “Nomenclatural historians and the case of the Nose-horned Viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758)”

2051 Biatorbágy; Jókai Mór str. 14; Hungary. / Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation; 2100 Gödöllő; 1 Páter Károly Street; Hungary
Department of Biology and Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship; Villanova University; 800 Lancaster Avenue; Villanova; Pennsylvania 19085; USA
Kokkini 1410; 491 00 Corfu; Greece
Swedish Museum of Natural History; Department of Zoology; PO Box 50007; SE-10405 Stockholm; Sweden
National Museum of Natural History; Tsar Osvoboditel blvd. 1; Sofia 1000; Bulgaria
University of Belgrade; Faculty of Biology; Studentski trg 16; 11000 Belgrade; Serbia
Reptilia nomenclature Linnaeus Linné type locality lectotype nomenclatural stability principle of priority prevailing usage

Abstract

Results of our contribution “Assessment of the Linnaean type material of the Nose-horned viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758)” (Krecsák et al. 2024) were criticized by Wüster et al. (2025) and Böhme et al. (2025) as ‘process driven’ findings which may cause disruption and confusion. By emphasizing the imperative of nomenclatural parsimony, the authors argued that prevailing usage should overrule the principle of priority particularly in the case of a widely known venomous snake of public health importance. We discuss the “inconvenient truth”, the results of the bibliographic analysis complemented with a multivariate analysis of the morphological characteristics of V. ammodytes specimens throughout the species range, which ascertained the original proper description and type locality as detailed by Linnaeus and corrections of errors resulting from the superficial assessment of the Linnaean publications and the complete ignorance or only incidental assessment of the existing type material by the herpetological community. We show that the name change does not threaten stability or universality. While the name changes might prove a minor inconvenience, mainly in the herpetological community, we demonstrate that they will have no effect on standardized and regulated toxinological research and the medical community involved in the first aid and treatment of Nose-horned Viper envenoming. Similarly, we refute the argument of confounding the antivenom distribution and purchases and provide a hypothetical example of a change of species name and its implementation by an antivenom manufacturer.

References

  1. Anonymous (1748) [Without title]. Lärda tidningar, 52, 205–208.
  2. ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé) (2025) Implementation of the regulations in compliance with timelines for national MA variation application. 4 pp. [https://ansm.sante.fr/uploads/2025/04/04/20250404-amm-delais-modifications-amm-version-anglaise.pdf]
  3. Boulenger, G.A. (1904) On the sand-viper of Romania (Vipera ammodytes var. Montandoni). Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 14, 134–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/03745480409442981
  4. Böhme, W., Denzer, W. & Wüster, W. (2025) Noli tangere nomina probata! Taxonomists must prioritise stability and protection of well-established scientific names in herpetology. Salamandra, 61 (4), 395–406.
  5. Bruno, S. (1968) Sulla Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus 1758) in Italia. Memorie del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale Verona, 15, 289–336.
  6. Bubalo, P., Curić, I. & Fišter, K. (2004) Characteristics of venomous snakebites in Herzegovina. Croatian medical journal, 45, 50–53.
  7. Curić, I., Curić, S., Bradarić, I., Bubalo, P., Bebek-Ivanković, H., Nikolić, J., Polašek, O. & Bradarić, N. (2009) Snakebites in Mostar region, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Collegium Antropologicum, 33, 93–98.
  8. Di Nicola, M.R., Pontara, A., Kass, G.E.N., Kramer, N.I., Avella, I., Pampena, R., Mercuri, S.R., Dorne, J.L.C.M. & Paolino, G. (2021) Vipers of major clinical relevance in Europe: Taxonomy, venom composition, toxicology and clinical management of human bites. Toxicology, 2021, 152724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2021.152724
  9. Dobaja Borak, M., Babić, Ž., Caganova, B., Grenc, D., Karabuva, S., Kolpach, Z., Krakowiak, A., Kolesnikova, V., Lukšić, B., Pap, C., Puljiz, I., Piekarska-Wijatkowska, A., Radenkova-Saeva, J., Vučinić, S., Zacharov, S., Eddleston, M. & Brvar, M. (2023) Viper envenomation in Central and Southeastern Europe: a multicentre study. Clinical Toxicology, 61 (9), 656–664. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2023.2273761
  10. Dubois, A. (2010a) Zoological nomenclature in the century of extinctions: priority vs. ‘usage’. Organisms Diversity & Evolution, 10 (3), 259–274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13127-010-0021-3
  11. Dubois, A. (2010b) Nomenclatural rules in zoology as a potential threat against natural history museums. Organisms Diversity & Evolution, 10, 81–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13127-010-0015-1
  12. EU Commission (2003) Commission Directive 2003/94/EC of 8 October 2003 laying down the principles and guidelines of good manufacturing practice in respect of medicinal products for human use and investigational medicinal products for human use. Official Journal, L 262, 14/10/2003, 22–26.
  13. EU Commission (2008) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1234/2008 of 24 November 2008 concerning the examination of variations to the terms of marketing authorisations for medicinal products for human use and veterinary medicinal products. Official Journal, L 334, 12.12.2008, 7–24.
  14. EU Commission (2012) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 520/2012 of 19 June 2012 on the performance of pharmacovigilance activities provided for in Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council Text with EEA relevance. Official Journal, L 159, 20.6.2012, 5–25.
  15. EU Commission (2024) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1701 of 11 March 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2008 as regards the examination of variations to the terms of marketing authorisations for medicinal products for human use. Official Journal, L, 2024/1701, 17.6.2024, 1–12.
  16. Grenc, D. & Groselj-Grenc, M. (2012) Abstracts of the 2012 International Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, 25 May–1 June 2012, London, UK. 41. Vipera berus and Vipera ammodytes bites in Slovenia: Distribution and clinical characteristics. Clinical Toxicology, 50 (4), 286. https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2012.669957
  17. GVP (2012) Guideline on good pharmacovigilance practices (GVP) Module I – Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systems. EMA/541760/2011, 22 June 2012, 25 pp.
  18. GVP (2017a) Guideline on good pharmacovigilance practices (GVP) Module VI – Collection, management and submission of reports of suspected adverse reactions to medicinal products (Rev 2). EMA/873138/2011 Rev 2*, 28 July 2017, 144 pp.
  19. GVP (2017b) Guideline on good pharmacovigilance practices (GVP) Module XV – Safety communication (Rev 1). EMA/118465/2012 Rev 1*, 9 October 2017, 20 pp.
  20. ICH (International Council for Harmonisation) (2025) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH E6(R3). European Medicines Agency, EMA/CHMP/ICH/135/1995, 71 pp. https://doi.org/10.48060/tghn.180
  21. ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) (1999) International code of zoological nomenclature. 4th Edition. The International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, London, 336 pp. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.50608
  22. Iliev, Y.T., Tufkova, S.G., Zagorov, M.Y. & Nikolova, S.M. (2014) Snake venom poisoning in the Plovdiv region from 2004 to 2012. Folia Medica, 56, 32–37. https://doi.org/10.2478/folmed-2014-0005
  23. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) (2015) ISO 9001:2015 in: Quality management systems – Requirements. Fifth edition. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, 29 pp.
  24. Karabuva, S., Vrkić, I., Brizić, I., Ivić, I. & Lukšić, B. (2016) Venomous snakebites in children in southern Croatia. Toxicon, 112, 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.01.057
  25. Karlo, R., Dželalija, B., Župančić, B., Bačić, I., Dunatov, T., Kanjer, A., Škarica, R., Sabalić, S., Bukvic, N., Nikolić, H. & Augustin, G. (2011) Venomous snakebites in the Croatian North Dalmatia region. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift, 123, 732–737. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-011-0085-x
  26. Kósa, E., Krecsák, L. & Tolokán, A. (2007) Opportunities and Challenges of a Chinese Pharmaceutical Manufacturer in the EU markets. Training course, Course organized by: China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products, Shanghai, China, 07-09-April, 2007. Wessling Laboratorien GmbH, Neuried, 196 pp.
  27. Krecsák, L. & Bauer, A.M. (2025) Carl Linnaeus the herpetologist: a review of his complete herpetological activity and legacy. Zootaxa, 5594 (2), 201–257. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.2.1
  28. Krecsák, L., Bauer, A.M., Tomović, L., Schweiger, S. & Westerström, A. (2025a) The history of the Illyrian nose-horned Viper, Vipera ammodytes illyrica (Laurenti, 1768), with designation of a neotype. Salamandra, 61 (2), 184–194.
  29. Krecsák, L., Bauer, A.M., Tomović, L., Schweiger, S. & Westerström, A. (2025b) A valid neotype designation for Vipera illyrica Laurenti, 1768. Salamandra, 61 (3), 362–363.
  30. Krecsák, L., Bauer, A.M., Westerström, A., Wahlgren, R., Tomović, L., Stille, B. & Åhlander, E. (2024) Assessment of the Linnaean type material of the nose-horned viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758). Zootaxa, 5537 (1), 24–48. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5537.1.2
  31. Laurenti, J.N. (1768) Austriaci viennensis Specimen medicum, exhibens synopsin reptilium emendatam cum experimentis circa venena et antidota reptilium austriacorum. Johan. Thom Nob. de Trattnern, Viennae, 214 pp. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.5108
  32. Linnaeus, C. (1749) XVI. Surinamensia Grilliana praeside D.D. Carolo Linnaeo, Sae. Reg. maj. Archiatro, Med. & Botan. Prof. Reg. & Ord. Acad. Imper. Regg. Monsp. Berol. Stockh. & Upsal. Socio. proposita a Petro Sundio Nic. Fil. Stockholmiensi. Upsaliae 1748. Junii 18. in Audit. Car. maj. Amoenitates Academicae (Holmiae et Lipsie), 1, 483–508, tab. XVII. [https://bibdigital.rjb.csic.es/viewer/11557]
  33. Linnaeus, C. (1758) Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. Cum Privilegio S:ae R:ae M:tis Sveciae. Impensis Direct. Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae, 827 pp. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.542
  34. Lukšić, B., Bradarić, N. & Prgomet, S. (2006) Venomous snakebites in southern Croatia. Collegium Antropologicum, 30, 191–197.
  35. Lukšić, B., Čulić, V., Stričević, L., Brizić, I., Poljak, N.K. & Tadić, Z. (2010) Infant death after nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes) bite in Croatia: A case report. Toxicon, 56, 1506–1509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.08.009
  36. Lukšić, B., Karabuva, S., Markić, J., Polić, B., Kovačević, T., Meštrović, J. & Križaj, I. (2018) Thrombocytopenic purpura following envenomation by the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes): Two case reports. Medicine, 97, e13737. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000013737
  37. Marinov, I., Atanasov, V.N., Stankova, E., Duhalov, D., Petrova, S. & Hubenova, A. (2010) Severe coagulopathy after Vipera ammodytes ammodytes snakebite in Bulgaria: A case report. Toxicon, 56, 1066–1069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.06.010
  38. Nikolić, S., Antić, M., Pavić, A., Ajtić, R. & Pavić, S. (2021) Analysis of the venomous snakebite patients treated in the Užice General Hospital (Western Serbia) between 2006 and 2018. Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo, 149 (3–4), 189–195. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH200114014N
  39. OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) (1998) ENV/MC/CHEM(98)17, in: Principles of Good Laboratory Practice. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Paris, 1998, 41 pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/springerreference_75881
  40. Pavić, S. & Nikolić, S. (2025) A severe case of snakebite envenoming by Vipera ammodytes in winter. Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis, 42 (1), 128–137. https://doi.org/10.5937/afmnai42-49903
  41. Radonić, V., Budimir, D., Bradarić, N., Luksić, B., Sapunar, D. & Vilović, K. (1997) Envenomation by the horned viper (Vipera ammodytes L.). Military medicine, 162, 179–182. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/162.3.179
  42. Sarc, L., Sega, S. & Zidar, J. (2013) XXXIII International Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) 28–31 May 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark. 47. Neurotoxicity caused by Vipera ammodytes bite: A case report. Clinical Toxicology, 51 (4), 275. https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2013.785188
  43. Simpson, G.G. (1940) Types in modern taxonomy. American Journal of Science, 238, 413–431.
  44. Strickland, H.E., Darwin, C., Henslow, J.S., Jenyns, L., Ogilby, W., Phillips, J., Richardson, J., Owen, R., Shuckard, W.E., Waterhouse, G.R. & Yarell, W. (1843) Series of propositions for rendering the nomenclature of zoology uniform and permanent, being the report of a committee for the consideration of the subject appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Annals & Magazine of Natural History, 1, 259–275. https://doi.org/10.1080/03745484309445300
  45. Wüster, W., Böhme, W., Denzer, W. & Kaiser, H. (2025) Nomenclatural historians are kindly requested to respect the intent of the Code: “Nomenclatural parsimony” and the case of the Nose-horned Viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758). Zootaxa, 5696 (3), 385–397. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.4

How to Cite

Krecsák, L., Bauer, A.M., Stille, B., Åhlander, E., Westerström, A. & Tomović, L. (2026) An Inconvenient Truth: Response to Wüster et al. (2025) Zootaxa 5696 (3): 385–397. “Nomenclatural historians and the case of the Nose-horned Viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758).” Zootaxa, 5857 (2), 242–256. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.2