NERD ALERT CHALLENGE: Latin Binomials

Enter this month's "Nerd Alert" challenge for a chance to win a custom critter illustration -AND- a limited edition print of your choice!

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A LATIN BINOMIAL, also known as "Binomial Nomenclature," is the formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, the genus and the species. In everyday vernacular, we also call this the "Latin" or "scientific name."  The common name for person is "human," while the latin binomial name is Homo sapiens. Your Chihuahua is commonly referred to as a "dog," but his proper binomial is Canis familiaris.

You get the idea, so now your challenge is to stalk the annals of your favorite reference material (web, literature, your biology teacher, etc,) and scout out the most epic Latin binomials you can come up with. For example, one of my all time favorites is Spermophilus tridecemlineatus, which is the stupidly adorable Thirteen-lined ground squirrel seen in the photo accompanying this post.

Names for all living things (plants, animals, bacteria, etc.) will be accepted, so don't be afraid to get super esoteric…in fact, the weirder the better!

The winner will receive a custom critter illustration of their latin binomial submission -AND- a limited edition Deadwilder print of their choice. Entries are due August 31, 2014 and the winner will be announced via email on September 1, 2014. Chances are there will probably be additional prizes for runner-ups, but I haven't quite decided if you'll get discount codes, Deadwilder stickers, or a bargain box of plastic baggies - just know that all noteworthy submissions will be rewarded in some capacity.  

Alright my adorable little critter biscuits, grab a cup of coffee and shift those frontal lobes into high gear because judging by the submissions I’ve received so far, you’ve got some hilarious competition on the horizon.

For access to the Official Entry Form, go to:

AUGUST 2014 NERD ALERT CHALLENGE