[Taxacom] How many species have been reported only once

[Fabian Haas]

I had a look at African dermaptera some years ago, still have a PDF of 
the poster. In case you like to have a look at it, drop an email. I made 
my baseline 10 specimens being published or being able to see myself in 
the collections.

Forgotten the numebr but more than ten was actually the exception. Also 
look at correleation of new descriptions and specific authors, showing 
its focused on one-two individuals any given time, at least for Dermaptera.

David Patterson wrote:
> I have heard suggestions that our understanding of 50% and 65% of all species is limited to the information that was included in the original description.  That is, for very many species, there have not been any further publications that add new information. These are the 'once only' species.  If the proportion is as high as this, it bears upon the reliability and effectiveness of the discovery process, how many species there are, and on asymmetry within our discipline.  
>
> Does anyone know of analyses that explore this matter, or have any data to confirm the proportion of 'once only' species in their sphere of expertise?
>
> Thanks
>
> David Patterson
>
>   

-- 

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The African Insect Taxonomy Toolkit AITT 
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Dr. Fabian Haas
Insect Taxonomist and ABS Specialist
ICIPE - African Insect Science for Food and Health
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