# Insect Color Database ICDB

> Insect color database

**Wikidata**: [Q111036002](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111036002)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/insect-color-database-icdb

## Summary
The Insect Color Database (ICDB) is a biological database and website that catalogs and provides information on insect colors, focusing on species like beetles and Lepidoptera. It was created by Bodo D. Wilts, Nathan Patrick Lord, and Camilla R Sharkey, and is part of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Biological database, website
- **Founding date**: 1990 (website inception)
- **Creators**: Bodo D. Wilts, Nathan Patrick Lord, Camilla R Sharkey
- **Affiliation**: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
- **Main subjects**: Insects, color, beetles, Lepidoptera, Odonata, entomology
- **Taxa cataloged**: 79 (as of 2022-05-17)
- **Access**: Open access, copyrighted
- **Language**: English
- **Last update**: 2022-02-28
- **Website**: [https://insectcolor.com/about/](https://insectcolor.com/about/)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Insect Color Database (ICDB)?
A: The ICDB is a biological database and website that catalogs and provides information on insect colors, focusing on species like beetles and Lepidoptera. It was created by Bodo D. Wilts, Nathan Patrick Lord, and Camilla R Sharkey and is part of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.

### Q: Who created the Insect Color Database?
A: The ICDB was created by Bodo D. Wilts, Nathan Patrick Lord, and Camilla R Sharkey, and is affiliated with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.

### Q: How many insect taxa are cataloged in the ICDB?
A: As of 2022-05-17, the ICDB catalogs 79 insect taxa.

### Q: Is the ICDB open to the public?
A: Yes, the ICDB is open access and available to the public.

### Q: What types of insects does the ICDB focus on?
A: The ICDB primarily focuses on beetles, Lepidoptera, Odonata, and other insects, with a particular emphasis on their coloration.

## Why It Matters
The Insect Color Database (ICDB) plays a crucial role in entomological research by providing a structured and accessible resource for studying insect colors. As part of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, it supports scientific inquiry into insect biology, particularly in the fields of taxonomy and coloration. The database’s open-access nature ensures that researchers and enthusiasts worldwide can contribute to and benefit from the cataloged data. By focusing on key insect groups like beetles and Lepidoptera, the ICDB aids in understanding patterns of coloration, which can have implications for evolutionary biology, conservation, and pest management. Its continued development and updates reflect the importance of insect color research in advancing our knowledge of these diverse and ecologically significant organisms.

## Notable For
- **Specialized focus**: One of the few databases dedicated exclusively to insect coloration.
- **Affiliation with LSU**: Part of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, leveraging institutional resources for research.
- **Open-access model**: Provides free and unrestricted access to its cataloged data.
- **Taxonomic depth**: Catalogs 79 insect taxa, with a focus on beetles and Lepidoptera.
- **Multidisciplinary relevance**: Supports research in entomology, evolutionary biology, and conservation.

## Body
### Overview
The Insect Color Database (ICDB) is a biological database and website that catalogs and provides information on insect colors, with a particular focus on beetles, Lepidoptera, and Odonata. It was established in 1990 and is part of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

### Development and Affiliation
The ICDB was created by Bodo D. Wilts, Nathan Patrick Lord, and Camilla R Sharkey. It operates as a website with 158 sitelinks, reflecting its extensive coverage of insect coloration. The database is affiliated with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, which was founded in 1906.

### Content and Accessibility
The ICDB catalogs 79 insect taxa, with a focus on beetles, Lepidoptera, and Odonata. The database is open access and copyrighted, with its last update occurring on 2022-02-28. As of 2022-05-17, the cataloged data includes 79 taxa, demonstrating its ongoing curation and expansion.

### Significance
The ICDB is notable for its specialized focus on insect coloration, which is a critical aspect of entomological research. Its affiliation with Louisiana State University provides institutional support, while its open-access model ensures broad accessibility. The database’s contributions to taxonomy and evolutionary biology highlight its importance in advancing our understanding of insect diversity and ecology.