Taxonomic Revisions and Specimen Databases in the Internet Age: Dealing with a Species Rich Insect Taxon

摘要: World entomological collections were formed during over three centuries of sampling and research. These provide the only direct documentation distribution natural history insects are integral to our efforts understand biodiversity. However, a substantial part world holdings remains not catalogued and, therefore, inaccessible comprehensive analysis. Taxonomic revision any plant or animal group implies detailed synthesis all available information, task that may take full advantage new web-based technologies databases. Arthropod Easy Capture (AEC) relational specimen database provides convenient way for assembling integrating information. Long-term experience AEC technology into revisionary project workflows illustrates benefits such approach resulting, among other things, in minimization time required data capture, straightforward producing distributional maps, integration host data, offers easy access researchers primary data. The also be powerful tool biogeography coevolution studies.