What is an insect type specimen?
An insect type specimen is one or a series reference specimens according to the regulations of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for the establishment and publication of a new species. The type specimen can be examined when scholars question the description or figures of the new species published by an author, or need to make comparison with others, especially if the type specimen is one used to describe a new species, or rename others. Type specimen series include holotype, ideotype, paratype, lectotype, homotype, and neotype specimens. Identification of insect specimens can be very difficult if a type specimen (especially a holotype) is not available because it has been damaged, lost, or is in another country. This may indirectly reduce the precision of taxonomy and diversity investigation, or cause erroneous assessments in pest control and conservation policies. This can lead to economic problems, losses and waste of labor. Type specimens are very important for taxonomy and all entomology related studies.