subspecific

[ suhb-spuh-sif-ik ]

/ ˌsʌb spəˈsɪf ɪk /

of, relating to, or of the nature of a subspecies.

less than specific.

Origin of subspecific

First recorded in 1865–70; sub- + specific

sub·spe·cif·i·cal·ly, adverb

In my opinion, the use of subspecific nomenclature is justified in this case, although not completely unambiguous.

Subspeciation in the Meadow Mouse, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in Wyoming, Colorado, and Adjacent Areas |Sydney Anderson
These differences seem to be microgeographic and not of subspecific rank.

Speciation and Evolution of the Pygmy Mice, Genus Baiomys |Robert L. Packard
In subspecific diagnoses in this report, color and size, and sometimes relative size, are the characters usually mentioned.

Speciation of the Wandering Shrew |James S. Findley
Later, Hill (1962:9) reduced cognatus to subspecific status under P. rayneri.

Systematics of Megachiropteran Bats in the Solomon Islands |Carleton J. Phillips

The few biotypes detected seemed unworthy of subspecific rank.

Speciation in the Brazilian Spiny Rats |Joo Moojen