2.3. Data Collection, Validation and Dissemination

Users can submit their observation data in a collection form provided in our website. After submission, photographic material, geographic coordinates, collection dates, contact details as well as the number of observed individuals are gathered and critically examined to ensure all necessary information are complete and the species of interest has been correctly identified. This form is easily accessible through our website and frequently provided by us under appropriate social media posts, so that citizens are aware of our database and can voluntarily share their records with us. Apart from the data collection form, citizen science records are also gathered from a separate project (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/alien-insects-of-greece) hosted within the iNaturalist [67] umbrella project.

While citizen scientists’ participation is greatly encouraged, referred standards are to be strictly followed regarding data collection. Submitted data are validated by the authors using keys and species descriptions or comparing with museum specimens. For this, it is essential that the data (i.e., photographic material) are of high quality and depicting key characteristics of the species in question. In the case that species identification cannot be fully resolved using only photographic material, citizens are encouraged to provide a specimen for inspection, and only then is the record added in our database.

Collected data are archived, and their submission to GBIF is planned. Special attention is given to records of alien species new to Greece, and it is our effort that, upon meticulous examination, these are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Regarding records of species already included in the checklist, georeferenced maps depicting their up-to-date distribution will be shared through our website when enough data are collected.