Final answer:
Catullus is known for his contributions to the genre of lyric poetry, blending high art with personal emotions and subverting traditional Roman themes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary genre for which the writer Catullus is known is predominantly lyric poetry. Catullus was an innovative Roman poet whose work often included elements of love, passion, and personal emotion, diverging from the conventional themes of his time. He was particularly notable for his bold approach, blending high art with colloquial language and, sometimes, obscenities. His efforts to subvert the notion of 'Vir'—the ideal Roman man—coupled with criticism of political figures and deeply personal expressions of love, such as those for his lover Lesbia, marked a significant departure from traditional Roman poetry. Catullus's work represents a landmark shift in Roman literature, impacting subsequent generations and securing his legacy as one of Rome's most influential poets.