Welcome

Martin Dempewolf:
Arthropods of Economic Importance. Agromyzidae of the World

Welcome to this contribution on an arthropod group of economic importance. This project provides information on and tools for the identification of miner flies of economic importance (Diptera: Agromyzidae).

The main goal of this project, the objectives of the series 'Arthropods of Economic Importance' and technical aspects of the software, are explained below.

For a general introduction to Agromyzidae, see the Short introduction to Agromyzidae module.

About this project

The contents of this website is divided into several modules, which are shown in the blue navigation box on each page. There are several database modules for the agromyzid taxa including a glossary. Some other modules contain text in order to provide general information on this group of flies and information on how to handle them. Most of the modules are more or less self-explaining. But in the case of any problem the usual help files for the Linnaeus II software are available as well.

The most critical module is IdentifyIt, a matrix key which allows the identification of the most important agromyzid flies feeding on cultivated plants.

The key should be handled with care because there are altogether approximately 2,750 agromyzid species worldwide. Your specimens may belong to a species hitherto unknown from culture plants.
Unfortunately the IdentifyIt module is not completely self-explaining and requires some understanding of computer aided keys.

Therefore, prior to the first use of IdentifyIt the Identification guide (click: Introduction) should be studied carefully!


The series 'Arthropods of Economic Importance'

'Arthropods of Economic Importance' is a joint project of the Zoological museum of the University of Amsterdam and the Expert Center for Taxonomic Identification (ETI). The project aims to provide both specialists and non-specialists with easy-to-use tools for the species recognition of insects and mites of economic importance in agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

The end product is a series of interactive CD-ROMs based on ETI's Linnaeus II software for biodiversity documentation and species identification. Each CD-ROM contains up-to-date taxonomic (biodiversity) information on economically important species and related non-pest species, and a computer-assisted identification key. A cross-reference system for the major host plants, an illustrated glossary to technical terms and a section on methodology are also included.

Published are:
- 'Eurasian Tortricidae' by Lynn Meijerman and Sandrine A. Ulenberg
- 'Interactive Tutorial for the Preparation of Genitalia in Microlepidoptera by Lynn Meijerman and Kevin R. Tuck
- 'Diaspididae of the World’ by Gillian W. Watson

Titles to follow in this series:
- 'Tephritidae of South East Asia' by Ian White
- 'Thripidae of the World' by Gerald Moritz
- Tortricidae of the World by Lynn Meijerman and Sandrine A. Ulenberg

Regional Digital Keys for Identification of Arthropod Pests

The University of Amsterdam, the Expert Center for Taxonomic Identification, Amsterdam, CAB International and partners in the developing countries are collaborating in the development of Regional Keys, using BioNET-INTERNATIONAL's networks as a mechanism. The high quality, global digital keys from the 'Arthropods of Economic Importance' provide the information for more focussed national and regional keys, to which specific local information is added. This 'Regional Keys' programme is a contribution to the efforts of the scientific community to overcome the worldwide taxonomic impediment by combining accessible digital keys with training programs, capacity building and reference collections.

For more information on 'Arthropods of Economic Importance and/or the 'Regional Keys' Programme please contact:
Dr Sandrine A. Ulenberg, project leader & series editor
Zoölogisch Museum
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Plantage Middenlaan 64
1018 DH Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Telephone +31.20.525.6243
Fax +31.20.525.6528
E-mail s.a.ulenberg@uva.nl
http://www.science.uva.nl/zma/entomol

Title: Arthropods of Economic Importance - Agromyzidae of the World
Author: Dr Martin Dempewolf
Year of publication: 2004
Copyright: ETI/ZMA
ISBN: 90-75000-57-X