ARS | Publication request: Software Review: WHAT WASP IS THAT?

Submitted to: Systematic Entomology
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: November 20, 2007
Publication Date: January 14, 2008
Citation: Buffington, M.L. 2008. Software Review: WHAT WASP IS THAT? Systematic Entomology.

Technical Abstract: The digital revolution is in the midst of changing the very nature of systematic entomology. The discipline has been wrenched from the confines of traditional paper outlets for the dissemination of data through the brave new world of the internet, on-line journals and email attachments. What Wasp is That? brings together the fruits the digital revolution with the expertise capable of delivering accurate, high quality data. This cd-rom digital key, built with the Lucid3 Interactive Key Builder, is a cross-platform, Java driven application viewed through an internet browser. The key focuses on Hymenoptera of the Australasian Region, but since most hymenopteran families are present in Australia, one could argue using the key on a world-wide basis. Though the key could still use some additional beta testing, the overall product is extremely usable and informative. Possibly most important is that a product like this brings the fascinating world of Hymenoptera to the non-specialists out, such as ecologists, biological control workers and educators.