The 5 ‘D’s of taxonomy: A user’s guide

Colin Favret 
University of Montréal, Canada.

Colin.Favret@umontreal.ca

I propose a model of the scientific and empirical practices of descriptive taxonomy, namely the discovery, delimitation, diagnosis, and description of taxa, as well as the determination of specimens. The model incorporates the philosophical aspect of the species concept, the subjective nature of the taxon concept, the objective application of nomenclature, and the primordial but oft-forgotten importance of natural history. Examples of new and traditional methods will bring to bear the 5 ‘D’s, especially with regards to delimiting species and determining specimens. I conclude with advice for end-users of taxonomy: how to take into account the empiricism and dynamism of the science of taxonomy and how to protect your research against the inevitable evolution of taxonomy and nomenclature change.

Recent publications:

Favret C, Lessard V, Trépanier A, Eon-Le Guern T, Théry T. 2019. Voegtlin-style suction traps measure insect diversity and community heterogeneity. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 12(5): 373-381. DOI: 10.1111/icad.12368

Théry T, Kanturski M, Favret C. 2018. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and species delimitation in the pine needle-feeding aphid genus Essigella (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aphididae). Insect Systematics and Diversity, 2(4):1;1-15. DOI: 10.1093/isd/ixy006

Favret C, Sieracki JM. 2016. Machine vision automated species identification scaled towards production levels. Systematic Entomology, 41(1): 133-143. DOI: 10.1111/syen.12146