cryptic species

noun

One of two or more distinct species that are morphologically indistinguishable but are genetically and reproductively isolated from one another.

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Meanings

nouncryptic species pl (plural only)
  1. pluralplural onlybiologyOne of two or more distinct species that are morphologically indistinguishable but are genetically and reproductively isolated from one another.
Cite this entry
APA

cryptic species. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cryptic%20species

MLA

“cryptic species.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cryptic%20species. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “cryptic species,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cryptic%20species.

Source: cryptic species on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.