Polycera norvegica is a valid species, and a plea for good taxonomic practices – a reply to Korshunova et al., 2021

Abstract

In this letter we highlight the inconsistencies and dismantle the arguments used by Korshunova et al. (2021) where the authors have treated the nudibranch species Polycera norvegica as a junior synonym of Polycera capitata (original designation: Thecacera capitata). We show that in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Thecacera capitata should be considered a nomen dubium, and we reinstate Polycera norvegica as the valid name of this species.