What geographical region does the specific epithet cocincinus reference?
Answer
Cochinchina (Southern Vietnam)
The specific epithet *cocincinus* in the scientific name *Physignathus cocincinus* directly refers to Cochinchina, which is identified as a historical region located in Southern Vietnam. This naming convention roots the species geographically to its native habitat in Southeast Asia, contrasting sharply with the nomenclature used for the Australian species. Understanding these species epithets provides direct insight into the historical discovery and origin of the animals being cataloged. For instance, the name *lesueurii* honors a naturalist, whereas *cocincinus* points explicitly to a place, reinforcing the disparate native ranges of the two groups commonly labeled as Water Dragons.

Related Questions
Which genus classifies the Asian Water Dragon, Physignathus cocincinus?What is the scientific designation for the Gippsland Water Dragon subspecies?To which taxonomic order do both Australian and Asian Water Dragons belong?What geographical region does the specific epithet cocincinus reference?What is the current genus classification for the native Australian Water Dragon?Before being moved to Intellagama, what genus housed the Australian Water Dragon?Which naturalist is honored by the specific epithet lesueurii in the Australian Water Dragon's name?What is the precise classification for the Eastern Water Dragon subspecies?What taxonomic rank provides the most immediate indicator differentiating Intellagama from Physignathus?Both lineages of Water Dragons share membership in which taxonomic family?