From integrative taxonomy to species description: one step beyond

Integrative taxonomy has emerged as a methodologically sound method for discovering new taxa. By coupling different sources of information (e.g. molecular and morphological data) and by combining analytical approaches (e.g. multivariate analyses, phylogenetics), systematists have the tools to uncover cryptic diversity and draw more reliable species hypotheses. Integratively-delimited taxa may be more prone to formal description compared to taxa delimited with a single source of information, because more detailed species hypotheses can be drawn. Integrative taxonomy has therefore the potential to reduce the so-called “taxonomic impediment” (i.e. the gap between the number of taxa that remain to be described and the number of taxa that are formally named). However, bridging fields such as molecular systematics and morphological taxonomy may remain challenging, as it either requires the training of versatile scientists, or the establishment of collaborations among scientists from these fie...