1. Background

The ENTRECS scheme is an ongoing data collection programme of the Entomological Society of Victoria to collect and store records of Victorian insects. The scheme, which was developed by Nigel Quick, was initially established in 1975 to record distribution data, but may be readily expanded to include:

* seasonal fluctuation in emergence patterns
* plotting of migratory paths
* relationship with flora distribution
* plotting of visual distribution maps
* compilation of a census of identifiable insects in the State

The scheme has been developed so that it may be extended to all States of the Commonwealth, and to any field of zoology.

In October 1976, the first distribution map was produced of the Satyrine butterfly Oreixenica lathoniella herceus. This was the combined effort of distribution data from approximately twenty reference collections.

In 1986, the Society published the "Preliminary Distribution Maps of Butterflies of Victoria". This included distribution maps of 108 species of butterflies in the State.

Work has also progressed on other insect taxa such as the Buprestidae - Jewel Beetles.

2. ENTRECS Committee
The Committee will consist of the Convenor and at least two members of the Society as appointed by Council in July each year.

A minimum of two Committee members must be involved in any correspondence, or in any recommendation to council.

3. Terms of Reference of Committee
To compile and maintain a list of all known insects in Victoria by collecting data from all possible sources, compiling the data in appropriate form and disseminating the results to approved users, and by liaising with persons or bodies with similar aims.

4. Operating Procedures of the Committee
4.1 Arrange for the collection of the data, the format and the contents of the data, and the sources from which it should be requested.
4.2 Arrange for the storage of the data and its use to produce appropriate output.
4.3 Decide on the use of the output (e.g. distribution maps).
4.4 Make appropriate arrangements with the suppliers of data and the users of output.
4.5 Liaise with other bodies who use relevant procedures and equipment (e.g. computers and software).
4.6 Prepare relevant publications (e.g. map booklets).
4.7 Hold at least one meeting per year, and others as necessary.
4.8 Liaise with the Conservation Committee to provide data.
4.9 Report to the May Council meeting on the year's activities.

5. Release of Data
Information is to be released on the basis that it is not to be used directly for resale and financial gain.

Under no circumstances are the raw data (and in particular specific localities) to be released.

The distribution maps are plotted on a square grid, each square represents one of the 10 minute grids of the 1:250,000 Australian Topographical maps (Natmaps). The small strip of land between the western edges of the Natmaps at latitude 141.00 and the west Victorian border are included in the grids to the immediate east.

Click here to see a sample of the ENTRECS data showing the distribution of the butterfly : Oreixenica lathoniella herceus