Cloud species in which each cloud element is a small tuft with a cumuliform or rounded appearance, the lower part of which is more or less ragged and often accompanied by virga. This species is found in the genera cirrus, cirrocumulus, altocumulus, and sometimes also in stratocumulus. Cirrocumulus floccus sometimes evolves as the result of the dissipation of the common base of cirrocumulus castellanus; in like manner, altocumulus floccus may evolve from altocumulus castellanus. Cirrus floccus differs from cirrocumulus floccus in that its elements subtend an angle of greater than 1° when observed at an angle of more than 30° above the horizon. See cloud classification.