Undetermined whitefly species from Madagascar with wax secretions
Project summary
- Focus: Collating global database of whitefly species
- Funding: Indexing for Life
The White-Files is an online taxonomic database for the world's whiteflies.
Each entry contains, where available:
- full taxonomy (valid names and synonyms)
- geographical distribution
- type specimen pictures
The information is linked to its original source in the literature. The White-Files brings together taxonomic data scattered in the literature and regional catalogues.
Some whitefly species, such as Bemisia tabaci, are major crop pests. We hope to improve pest management by gathering and sharing information on these species.
We will also aid better identification of species by publishing high-resolution type specimen pictures.
Building the database
Data are entered using the free DataBase To Names and Taxa (DBTNT) software which allows dynamic navigation of online records.
The distribution of each species is mapped using the EDIT Map REST Service, and follows the Taxonomic Databases for Plant Sciences standard World Geographical Scheme for Recording Plant Distributions levels 3 and 4.
The pictures of Takahashi’s type specimens hosted at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris) have been published in collaboration with Jean-Claude Streito.
Museum staff
- Dr Jon Martin
External collaborators
- Prof Thierry Bourgoin
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - Dr Adeline Soulier-Perkins
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - Jean-Claude Streito
Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des populations - Angel Anta
- Rosie Cooper
Funded by
Biodiversity research
We are creating molecular and digital tools to explore undiscovered biodiversity
Insect research
Our scientists are conserving and investigating the Museum's collections to help with cutting edge research
Entomology collections
Browse the oldest entomology collection in the world of over 34 million insects and arachnids