Tracing endangered toponyms: type localities of Cuban arachnids described by Pelegrín Franganillo Balboa

Abstract

Type localities—the places of origin of the name-bearing type specimens of species and subspecies—are crucial for taxonomic identification and for maintaining taxonomic and nomenclatural stability. However, historical descriptions often lack precise or identifiable locality data. Pelegrín Franganillo Balboa described nearly 200 Cuban arachnids (1926–1946), but most of his descriptions were not sufficiently detailed, and his collection lacks key identification data, complicating the storage location of type specimens. Additionally, many of Franganillo’s type locality toponyms are falling out of use, hindering their application in taxonomic resolution. Here, we revise these 36 type localities, georeference them, and provide additional information on their current statuses. We found that 16 of them are at risk of toponymic disappearance. Although 30 sites are precise enough to facilitate targeted specimen collection strategies, most of them occur in heavily disturbed non-protected areas, casting doubt on whether they still host populations of the focal taxa. Our study should assist in the biodiversity exploration of these type localities and highlights the urgent need for such collecting campaigns before it is too late. Given that the challenges associated with Franganillo’s work are common across early taxonomic literature, creating reliable and permanent locality records can significantly promote taxonomic and nomenclatural stability.