Definition

Proper noun * A specific species of salamander: Megalobatrachus maximus is the scientific name for a very large species of salamander native to Asia, historically also known as the Japanese giant salamander. It is noted for its considerable size and is considered edible.

Usage Notes

• This term is a taxonomic binomial (genus + species) used in scientific and zoological contexts. It is typically written in italics, with the genus name capitalized.
• While historically used, this specific scientific name has been largely superseded in modern taxonomy. The species is now more commonly referred to by its current accepted scientific name, , or by its common name, the Japanese giant salamander.
• The reference to being "edible" is a factual characteristic noted in some descriptions but is not the primary defining feature of the term.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • Early zoological texts described the Megalobatrachus maximus as one of the largest amphibians in the world.
  • The specimen was initially classified as Megalobatrachus maximus before being reclassified into the genus Andrias.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic History: The term appears in historical literature and older classification systems. Its usage today is primarily in discussions about the history of herpetology or taxonomic revisions.
  • Example: The transition from the name Megalobatrachus maximus to Andrias japonicus reflects advancements in phylogenetic understanding.

Variants and Related Words

• Andrias japonicus (n.): The current, widely accepted scientific name for the Japanese giant salamander.
• Japanese giant salamander (n.): The common English name for this species.
• Giant salamander (n.): A general term for large salamanders in the family Cryptobranchidae, which includes the Chinese giant salamander () and the Japanese species.

Synonyms

• Japanese giant salamander (Common name)
• Andrias japonicus (Current scientific synonym)

Related Terms

• Cryptobranchidae (n.): The biological family to which this salamander belongs, encompassing all giant salamanders.
• Amphibian (n.): The class of cold-blooded vertebrates that includes salamanders, frogs, and caecilians.

Noun

1. large (up to more than three feet) edible salamander of Asia