We have always had cryptic taxa - those that are especially difficult to diagnose. It seems to me that one of the benefits of molecular approaches to species "delineation" is that these tools can provide insight to patterns of variation that may not be evident when traditional morphological/anatomical characters are examined. The recognition that a a taxon may consist of phenotypically similar, but genotypically different, populations is necessary for developing proper conservation programs. My guess is that if we only pay attention to those "taxa" (or populations) that are easily diagnosable, we may lose significant components of the inherent genetic variation that may be critical for maintaining biodiversity. It is incumbent on us, as taxonomists/systematists, to make sure that the lay-people who will participate in decision making understand that there is more to a species than meets the eye.

Richard J. Jensen | E-MAIL: rjensen at saintmarys.edu Dept. of Biology | TELEPHONE: 219-284-4674 Saint Mary's College | FAX: 219-284-4716 Notre Dame, IN 46556 |