What is the scientific name for deer? The deer scientific name is Cervidae (Family).
Deer are among the most widespread and recognizable wild animals in the world. The Cervidae biological family provides the hoofed mammals, well known for their antlers, grazing habits, and adaptability. Understanding the deer scientific name, its binomial meaning and pronunciation, classification, age, height, weight, diet, and habitat will help scientists and nature lovers identify the species more clearly.
This guide explains the binomial names of various deer species, including the white-tailed deer, mule deer, and red deer, among others. It also provides information about the behavior and facts of different species, including their lifespan, diet, and habitat.
What is the Scientific Name for Deer?
Deer are members of the many species in the Cervidae family, and thus, there is no single global scientific name for all of them. Instead, every kind of deer has its own binomial nomenclature.
- Scientific name of the White-tailed Deer: Odocoileus virginianus
- Scientific name of the Mule Deer: Odocoileus hemionus
- Scientific name of the Red Deer: Cervus elaphus
- Scientific name of the Reindeer (Caribou): Rangifer tarandus
These names come from Latin and Greek origins, which makes them universally recognized by scientists.
Meanings and pronunciations of Deer scientific names
Every binomial name has a different meaning:
Odocoileus virginianus: White-tailed deer
- Prununciation: Oh-doe-COY-lee-us ver-jin-ee-AN-us.
- Meaning: “Odocoileus” refers to hollow teeth, and “virginianus” indicates the strong occurrence of the species within Virginia and adjacent places.
Odocoileus hemionus: Mule deer
- Pronunciation: Oh-doe-COY-lee-us hee-MY-oh-nus.
- Meaning: This word hemionus means “half-ass” in Latin, which is a reference to long, mule-like ears.
