The naming of species of butterflies and moths has been going on since 1758, when Linné published the Systema Naturae. As our understanding of nature has grown, so has the number of described species. Our new found understanding has also led to many populations and even individuals that were originally described as separate species, to be subsumed under another already described species. In order to keep track of what name belongs to what species, scientists have published lists of names with an indication of this, as well as an indication of where the type specimen of each name can be found. The need to catalogue names is well-known and, for Lepidoptera, there is an initiative to set-up the framework for such catalogues through the Lepidoptera Taxome Project. LEPSYS.eu will assist the goals of the Lepidoptera Taxome Project.
Traditionally lists have been published as books or pamphlets, but the internet now allows more timely and up-datable ways of publishing such lists. The most advanced way of keeping lists up-to-date is to have online databases that scientists are able to up-date over the internet using passwords. This allows the catalogues to be kept current based on work being done now. LEPSYS.eu is helping to develop a standard for online catalogues.
Online and editable catalogues of Lepidoptera names:
Other comprehensible online catalogues:
Continental catalogues:
National catalogues: