LepNet: The Lepidoptera of North America Network

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity science
• Entomology
• Data mobilization

Background:

• The Lepidoptera of North America Network (LepNet) is a collaborative digitization initiative.
• It focuses on mobilizing biodiversity data from millions of butterfly and moth specimens housed in U.S. natural history collections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To transform Lepidoptera specimen data into accessible digital formats.
• To foster global research in taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

Main Methods:

• Digitization of 3 million butterfly and moth specimens.
• Mobilization of biodiversity data from natural history collections.
• Seeking international collaborations with museums and organizations.

Main Results:

• Creation of a large digital database of Lepidoptera specimens.
• Increased accessibility of biodiversity data for researchers worldwide.
• Foundation for enhanced taxonomic, ecological, and evolutionary studies.

Conclusions:

• The LepNet project is crucial for advancing Lepidoptera research.
• Digital data mobilization enhances global scientific collaboration and discovery.
• Accessible specimen data supports critical biodiversity research efforts.