FORUM: Methodological shortcomings and lack of taxonomic effort beleaguer Australian bee studies

Abstract

There is an increased interest in conducting studies on pollinators – especially wild bees – in Australia, as well as abroad. We welcome this increased research attention, however we are concerned by poor methods in the sampling techniques used, and the poor taxonomic treatment of specimens. We explicitly highlight these two issues, discuss the implications that arise when inappropriate sampling methods are deployed, and specimens are not identified or curated appropriately, and offer remedies for these issues. We have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Topics & Concepts