cryptic species

American  

[krip-tik spee-sheez] / ˈkrɪp tɪk ˈspi ʃiz /

noun

1. a species that is genetically distinct from one or more other species but morphologically identical.

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Example Sentences

If what was once considered a single widespread species is split into several distinct cryptic species, each newly identified species occupies a smaller geographic range.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

According to Zhang, conservation programs aimed at increasing population numbers could accidentally breed individuals from different species if cryptic species are not properly identified.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

"Even though hundreds of molecular studies have uncovered hundreds of cryptic species, very few have been formally described or named," said Wiens.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

"Many of these cryptic species have likely been evolving separately for a million years or more," said Wiens.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

At one extreme, multiple species can look alike even though they are different species -- these are known as cryptic species.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023