How to use?

As indicated the information can be accessed through two different channels: either taxonomic information or specimen information. For taxonomic information, go to the taxon list and select a name. You will then have the option to look at different information sets available for that particular taxon (description, images, distribution map). If the name you selected is considered a junior synonym, look under the senior synonym's name.

For specimen information, you have three different kinds of query levels that are explained below.

Queries

The full specimen information covers 24 different fields with regard to taxonomic status, georeferences, collection codes, etc.. Not all of this information is always relevant to persons querying the database. Often, more limited queries need to be answered such as what fly occurs where or what species has been found in association with mango or coffee. In order to facilitate these varied types of questions, the database can be queried through three different search levels, depending on the kind of information one is looking for.

• Basic search: this will give the taxonomic name of specimen, the country of origin, the plant host (Latin name, vernacular English name if available and plant family) and a ranking on ID reliability with the groupings mentioned earlier. Duplicate records are omitted.
• Advanced search provides the same fields as basic search plus some additional ones like the name of exact locality, date of collection, status of the specimen, name of museum depository, and lure (if applicable). Again duplicate records are omitted.
• Specimen information level gives all fields available, hence the same fields as an advanced search plus: latitude & longitude of locality, exact number of specimens, name of collector, and type of association with host plant data.

Each of these search forms can be queried through a filter system. By selecting names from the scroll down menu for the individual cells, the user can filter out the required information. For example, in the basic search form, by selecting 'Kenya' in the 'country' field, all records of fruit flies from Kenya will be shown. By selecting 'Kenya' as well as 'mango' in the 'English host plant name' the records will be narrowed down to those from Kenya with mango as host. General queries like 'which species are found in Kenya' or 'which species are reported from mango in Kenya' can thus be answered in this way. If one wants the standard information on specimens, the advanced search can be used. Specimen information level gives all data related to a particular specimen or block record. The latter level, however, requires a log in procedure whereby the user contacts the database manager with a request for a password. The user will need to give his name, address, email contact and a brief note for what purpose he needs the information. Access is completely free.