[Taxacom] Cross-rank homonyms (in zoology)

[Tony Rees]

Greetings Taxacomers,

A question has arisen on Wikispecies about the validity of a cross-rank
homonym in zoology, namely subtribe Antimerina Brunke, Żyła & Solodovnikov,
2019 (Staphylinidae, Coleoptera, Animalia), junior homonym of the
genus Antimerina Alluaud, 1898 (Carabidae, Coleoptera, Animalia), Ann. Soc.
Ent. France, 66, 17, a name in current use.

My reading of the relevant portion of the Code ("Article 52. Principle of
Homonymy: 52.1. Statement of the Principle of Homonymy: When two or more
taxa are distinguished from each other they must not be denoted by the same
name.") is that it does not constrain potential homonymous names to be of
the same rank, or group i.e. species-group, genus-group, family-group) and
that therefore the name for the subtribe is invalid. Would this concur with
the opinions of those more expert than myself?

This topic did occur on Taxacom a while back (2002) where the few persons
who commented seemed to come to the opposite conclusion (
http://mailman.nhm.ku.edu/pipermail/taxacom/2002-March/087701.html), but I
would contend that the statements therein are not in accordance with the
Code. Further discussion / opinions invited...

Regards - Tony
Tony Rees, New South Wales, Australia
https://about.me/TonyRees
www.irmng.org