Taxonomic monographs on Neotropical Hymenoptera

Four illustrations of hymenoptera above a map of Central and South America — Some Neotropical Hymenoptera (Encyrtidae). Left: *Aenasius frontalis* Compere. Middle upper: *Metaphycus electra* Noyes. Middle lower: *Sectiliclava isis* Noyes. Right: *Psyllaephagus trioziphagus* (Howard). From original watercolours by Aldo de Oyarzabal

The Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps) are one of the most species rich and diverse groups of living organisms on the planet.

Within insects, the order is probably rivalled in size only by the Diptera (flies), either group almost certainly more speciose than any other order, including the Coleoptera (beetles).

The neotropical region is one of the least studied parts of the world, yet it is likely to be the most species rich. To date about 35,000 species have been catalogued for the region with the total number of species likely to be well in excess of ten times that number.

The order includes species that exhibit virtually all lifestyles found in insects and many have a direct impact on biodiversity and the well-being of humans as well as other animals.

We publish original, large, high-quality monographs on the taxonomy of Neotropical Hymenoptera.

The journal provides a low-cost, rapid vehicle for describing the huge diversity of this order in the region. Publications are Open Access as PDF/A, completely ICZN (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature) compliant and free to authors.

Printed versions of each contribution can be obtained at low cost here.

Who can contribute?

The journal is particularly suited to retired taxonomists who receive minimal institutional support. Contributions are published on an occasional basis as and when suitable copy becomes available.

Contributions must as a rule be equivalent to at least 300 printed pages, including plates and index and the final version must be submitted as publication ready PDF/A.

Authors will retain copyright but must agree to publication as Open Access and to free distribution of the final version by the publishers.

The editors will be responsible for ensuring that contributions meet the requirements of the ICZN with regards to e-only publications, including ZooBank and ISSN and ISBN registration and archiving.

We encourage a holistic approach and the inclusion of molecular, biological and host information where available, but contributions must be based predominantly on a traditional taxonomic approach.

How to contribute?

Potential contributors are requested to contact either John Noyes (j.noyes@nhm.ac.uk) or Christer Hansson (christerdennis@gmail.com) as far in advance as possible before submission.

A synopsis of the publication must be provided. This must include an estimate of number of pages and indication of content in the form of an index to each section and two- or three-line review of each section.

If the proposed submission is deemed suitable, authors will be sent a 'guide for authors' detailing journal style and how to progress with their submission. The editors reserve the right to reject contributions at any stage if they do not meet the requirement of content or standard of the journal.

Authors must organise and submit reviews of the final manuscript by a minimum of two recognised authorities in the field and will be responsible for making corrections or improvements to the final version as suggested by the reviewers and approved by the editors. Submissions must be in English and include an abstract/synopsis in English and either Spanish or Portuguese.