Allison Brown

The digitization and labelling of historic and new specimens is a time-consuming, error-prone process as labels are still often hand-cut. To improve efficiency and consistency, we developed a low-cost solution for high-throughput environments which employs Cricut Maker ^® 3 to automatically cut precision entomological labels. We optimized digital label templates for use with Cricut ^® software and developed custom accessories for efficient label transfer and organization. Implementation of pre-cut label batches increased workflow efficiency, reduced user strain, and improved label quality. This system is compatible with existing digitization pipelines and supports standardized labelling formats, including those for DNA barcode workflows. With minimal set-up and maintenance costs, Cricut ^® offers an effective suite of tools for generating specimen labels in natural history collections. Modernizing entomology labelling workflows supports data standardization, collection digitization, and the scientific value of natural history specimens.

The digitization and labelling of historic and new specimens is a time-consuming, error-prone process as labels are still often hand-cut. To improve efficiency and consistency, we developed a low-cost solution for high-throughput environments which employs Cricut Maker 3 to automatically cut precision entomological labels. We optimized digital label templates for use with Cricut software and developed custom accessories for efficient label transfer and organization. Implementation of pre-cut label batches increased workflow efficiency, reduced user strain, and improved label quality. This system is compatible with existing digitization pipelines and supports standardized labelling formats, including those for DNA barcode workflows. With minimal set-up and maintenance costs, Cricut offers an effective suite of tools for generating specimen labels in Natural History Collections. Modernizing entomology labelling workflows supports data standardization, collection digitization, and the scientific value of natural history specimens.

Tetrigidae is one of the largest orthopteran families, but very few studies so far have integrated molecular and morphological data. Unsurprisingly, few species have been DNA barcoded, and the unresolved taxonomy makes Tetrigidae a difficult group to work with. Here, we examined a sample of 90 specimens collected as a part of the Costa Rican DNA barcoding project and identified 20 species assigned to 24 BINs, among which are 8 newly described species: Scaria bimaculata sp. nov., Lophotettix semicristatus sp. nov., Otumba auricarinata sp. nov., Otumba tenuis sp. nov., Otumba ignicula sp. nov., Metrodora mollilobata sp. nov., Metrodora ala sp. nov., and Platythorus inabsolutus sp. nov. We found that coloration and lateral lobe shape are species-specific among the examined species of Batrachideinae and Metrodorinae and that Lophotettiginae and Metrodora might be more closely related than previously assumed.