Diagnosing diagnoses – can we improve our taxonomy?

By

Borkent, Art, 1953-

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1071

Pages

43--48

Subjects

Identification , keys , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1071.72904

 

Abstract

Taxonomic diagnoses should be clear but minimal statements that precisely distinguish a given specimen from other taxa at the same stage of development (e.g., pupa, adult female, egg). Presently, most diagnoses are of uncertain value. It is a great advantage for readers to be able to simply and confidently confirm their identifications after using a key.