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.

What geographical region does the specific epithet cocincinus reference?
taxonomyanimalclassificationscienceWater Dragon