iconotype

iconotype (plural iconotypes)

1. (taxonomy) An illustration of a biological specimen that serves as a holotype or lectotype (type specimen and it becomes the type illustration). It is not an illustration of a holotype or lectotype. In the 18th and early 19th century, iconotypes were designated as type specimens when preserved specimens were not available. In the 21st century, iconotypes are being used where a live animal is recorded and then released.