Digitization and integration of Orthoptera (Insecta) genetic resources into the web system for the National Biological Collections (IBdata) of the Instituto de Biología, Mexico City, Mexico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2026.97.5863Keywords:
GenBank, SRA, Type specimens, Data mobilization, CNINAbstract
Assessment and digitization of biological collections are critical for maximizing their value as biodiversity repositories and sources of biological public information. By integrating traditional specimen data with their extended digital information, including genetic and genomic data, biological collections can consolidate as dynamic, publicly accessible infrastructures for research. The Colección Nacional de Insectos (CNIN) at the Instituto de Biología (IBUNAM) of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, houses more than 5 million specimens representing 24 insect orders. However, many of the biological collections at IBUNAM need deeper assessment and remain undigitized, such as Orthoptera; an ecologically, economically and culturally important group in Mexico. This study represents an initial effort comprising a 7-step methodology to establish an enhanced digitization standard for this entomological subcollection by linking Orthoptera specimens deposited in the CNIN with their publicly available genetic and genomic resources, integrating them into the web system for biological collections of the IBUNAM, IBdata. This enriched digitization standard has the potential to be extended to other digital collections of the IBUNAM and other institutions. Furthermore, we provide a catalogue of type Orthoptera specimens deposited in the CNIN, along their label data, including photographs, all compiled into IBdata.
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