About AusWing Explorer

Purpose

AusWing Explorer is a web based platform developed to support the identification of Australian native bees using wing venation morphology. The platform is intended to complement existing taxonomic resources by providing a reproducible and accessible analytical workflow.

Background

The project emerged from the need for practical tools to assist with native bee identification, particularly in contexts where specialist expertise or comprehensive reference collections are not readily available.

Methodology

Identification is based on geometric analysis of wing venation landmarks. Classifications are applied conservatively within a hierarchical taxonomic framework, allowing results to default to higher taxonomic levels where confidence thresholds are not met.

Intended Use

AusWing Explorer is designed for researchers, students, and practitioners working with Australian native bees, as well as others with an interest in pollinator biodiversity and morphological analysis.

Research Group

AusWing Explorer is developed in association with the ICEB / Howard Lab within the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University. The group conducts research on animal behaviour, cognition, and morphology, with a focus on how these traits relate to environmental change, foraging, and plant animal interactions.

Much of the group’s research focuses on invertebrate systems, particularly bees, using integrative approaches that combine behavioural studies, morphological analysis, and computational methods. Research also extends to other taxa where similar questions can be addressed.

The group’s work broadly aligns with three research themes:

  • Cognition, neuroethology, and bio inspired technology
  • Impacts of environmental change on behaviour, morphology, and distribution
  • Pollination biology and foraging strategies

Research is conducted through multidisciplinary collaboration across institutions, and engagement from students and researchers with related interests is welcomed.

Access and Support

The platform is freely accessible. Optional contributions help support ongoing maintenance, data expansion, and server infrastructure.