Like the similar noun series, species functions as both singular (e.g., that species is . . . ) and plural (e.g., these species are … ). The singular specie is a completely unrelated word (meaning coined money) and should not be used in reference to categories of organisms.
Examples
For example, these writers correctly treat species as a singular noun:
Because the royal antelope is so small, the bottle’s nipple had to be specially designed for this species. [Globe and Mail]
Their dwindling numbers warrant protection as an endangered species, federal officials say. [New York Times]
And these writers correctly use species as a plural noun:
There are three species of hares and rabbits residing in Minnesota, and chances are at least one species lives near you. [Minneapolis Star Tribune]
The temporary exhibit opens April 15 and runs to May 28, 2012 and showcases the 10 species of translucent sea jellies … [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
And in this case, the erroneous specie should be changed to species:
It may sound like the punch line of a joke, but the lampmussel is actually an endangered specie making a surprising comeback in area waterways. [London Free Press]
