The template is one of a number of configuration templates used by the automated taxobox system (see the detailed map of modules and templates).

It determines whether a taxon name should be italicized or not, given its rank and whether or not it is a virus. It is one of the templates that may need be updated if a new rank is added to the system.

{{Is italic taxon|taxon-rank|virus=yes or no}} – default is |virus=no

  • {{Is italic taxon|species}} → yes
  • {{Is italic taxon|genus}} → yes
  • {{Is italic taxon|familia}} → no
  • {{Is italic taxon|familia|virus=yes}} → yes
  • {{Is italic taxon|strain|virus=yes}} → no

Other configuration templates include:

  • {{Anglicise rank}} – converts the Latin form that is used in taxonomy templates to the English equivalent
  • {{Principal rank}} – defines the Linnaean principal ranks that are shown by default
  • {{Taxobox colour}} – defines which taxa set the taxobox colour and what those colours are