LepiBase is an active database containing species records from participating members as well as the SABCA data and in future the LepiMap SALCA and BioGaps data.  The purpose of this database is to build up a dataset with sufficient data to perform distribution and trend analyses of Lepidoptera species.  The LepiBase dataset is designed to capture not only record location data but also other behavioural data with the purpose of offering students of Lepidoptera, environmentalists and conservationists a verifiable data set to assist in their efforts.  The database was initiated in 1995 and has captured records since then.  It has recently been expanded to include the SABCA database and is continuously being updated with new records.  All parties are encouraged to participate and data submission is compulsory for permit compliance.  Data usage is free for qualified contributors.  In order to facilitate data entry, contributors must make use of the data structure which is defined by using the LepiDops programme which has recently been upgraded to a new version with many added benefits and more ease of use.  While an updated Excel structure will be provided for other users, this is strongly discouraged as it often contains spelling mistakes and/or species names that have changed.  The import process will simply discard such records.

LepiDops (part of ISWIMLE suite) is a programme designed specifically to capture reference data of Afrotropical Lepidoptera and at present lists virtually all Butterflies of Africa as well as a fairly large portion of the South African Moths with an ever expanding list of the Afrotropical Moths.  At present it contains well over 30000 images of Afrotropical Lepidoptera and the image base is continuously improved. 

In order to facilitate species identification the programme offers a number of advanced features such as image working trays, image enlargement, image comparison screens, group views and so on.  The programme offers a separate data entry application which is available for free to assist with surveying data entry into LepiBase as mentioned before.

Due to restrictions of the web, we cannot place a free copy of the current version of Lepidops on the website. If anyone is interested in the software, please contact Bennie Coetzer to arrange for a copy to be sent via a FTP link.