Myrmecology in the internet: Possibilities of information gathering (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

Abstract

A well advanced information system about ants exists on the internet. Many myrmecologists all over the world offer useful information as text files, images or databases. A good part of the information focuses on regional faunas and biogeographic regions, with updated species checklists and geographic distribution maps. Many internet sites deal with specific ant groups or single genera and provide dichotomous and sometimes interactive identification keys, extensive information about the biology and/or geographic distribution of the species. Text information is often illustrated with images of living or dry mounted ants. Additionally, detailed pages about anatomy, mounting of ants, colony husbandry or ant conservation (red lists) can be found. In discussion forums it is possible to exchange facts and thoughts about all myrmecological facets with other interested people. A special offer for taxonomists is the increasing number of databases about museum collections and their type catalogues.

Keywords

ants, Formicidae, internet based information, database, type images.