Melitensis – Analysing Malta’s Mark on Life’s Catalogue

Press Release│ 13 June 2025

A new exhibition by Heritage Malta at the National Museum of Natural History in Mdina explores the use of the Latin adjective ‘melitensis’, meaning ‘from Malta’, in scientific nomenclature.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 14th June and runs till Sunday 6th July 2025.

The term ‘melitensis’ has been used in scientific nomenclature to denote species endemic to or first identified in Malta.
MELITENSIS traces the evolution of biological classification from early, decentralised systems to the standardised system introduced by Swedish botanist Carl von Linné in 1753.

Visitors will encounter a diverse array of specimens – from bacteria to plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, both fossilised and extant, that bear a Maltese connection through their designation. Through these examples, the exhibition underscores Malta’s rich biodiversity and its significance in the broader context of scientific discovery and classification.

Beyond taxonomy, MELITENSIS addresses pressing environmental concerns.
The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to document and preserve biodiversity amidst challenges like climate change and habitat loss.
By understanding the importance of nomenclature and classification, we can better appreciate and protect our world.

Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, commented that: “Through this exhibition and other initiatives, Heritage Malta aims to foster greater appreciation of the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. Natural heritage is an integral part of our heritage, and we want the public to understand that with daily informed choices each one of us can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the resilience of the natural world.”

Opening hours of the National Museum of Natural History are from 09:00 to 17:00, from Tuesday till Sunday (the museum is closed on Mondays).
Entrance to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket.

For more information and updates, please visit https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/melitensis/ and follow Heritage Malta on social media platforms.