DROP: Molecular voucher database for identification of Drosophila parasitoids

A curated open-access molecular reference database for Drosophila parasitoids (DROP). Identifying Drosophila parasitoids is challenging and poses major impediment to realize the full potential of this model system in studies ranging from molecular mechanisms to food webs, and in biological control of Drosophila suzukii. In DROP, genetic data are linked to voucher specimens and, where possible, the voucher specimens are identified by taxonomists and vetted through direct comparison with primary type material. An updated taxonomic catalogue for the research community is also part of DROP. DROP offers accurate molecular identification and improves cross-referencing between individual studies that we hope will catalyze research on this diverse and fascinating model system. Our effort should also serve as an example for researchers facing similar molecular identification problems in other groups of organisms.