EDIT Insects

Aim: Our aim is two-fold. On one hand we want to develop a portal, which queries expert resources on Lepidoptera that are already available on the web (e.g. GBIF, type image servers, Genbank, Fauna Europea, catalogs, HOSTS, GloBIS-D, GlobIZ, Enhsin, etc.). On the other hand we want to encourage the forming of expert networks which concentrate on certain subgroups of Lepidoptera and will develop web based taxonomic revision of these groups.

Progress and Plans: One of the expert networks connected to EDIT is the CATE-project (Creating a Taxonomic e-Science, http://www.cate-sphingidae.org/) which aims to deliver a web revision of Sphingidae. Currently a checklist plus detailed content for the genus Xylophanes are available online. A roadmap for CATE is available at http://www.cate-project.org/roadmap.html. The sixth release in July 2008 will allow editors to publish a revision. At this stage the data in each revision will be "live" and dynamic.

A second network is currently being established by Erik van Nieukerken, Leiden, and will develop a web revision for Nepticulidae.

To attract further expert networks we have set up a mailing list for Lepidoptera and organised a workshop at the XVth European Congress of Lepidopterology, Berlin, in September 2007.

Diptera

Aim: As in Lepidoptera, again our aim is two-fold. On one hand we want to develop a portal, which queries expert resources on Diptera that are already available on the web (e.g. BDWD, GBIF, type image servers, Genbank, Fauna Europea, catalogs, TaxoDros, Enhsin, etc.). This portal will be connected to The Diptera Site (http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/Diptera/). On the other hand we want to encourage the forming of expert networks which concentrate on certain subgroups of Diptera and will develop web based taxonomic revision of these groups

Progress and Plans: A web revision of the genus Milichiella (Diptera: Milichiidae) is under construction with the description of several new species, redescription of old species, synonymisations, etc. Currently 42 extant species are described and around 50 new species have been identified. A scratchpad has been started for Milichiidae and the image database is being populated with photos and drawings of Milichiella specimens. Additionally distribution maps and a character matrix, which can be used similar to a key, are available.

A network for fungus gnats, Sciaroidea, is currently being established by Vladimir Blagoderov, London. A scratchpad has been started at http://www.sciaroidea.info/ and the bibliography is extended continuously.

If you are interested in participating in one of the insect exemplar groups or in setting up a new network, please contact Irina Brake (i.brake@nhm.ac.uk).