An accurate procedure to describe colors in taxonomic works, with an example from Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera)

The use of the RGB color system is suggested as a desirable option to increase accuracy of color descriptions in taxonomic works, and two techniques are proposed to allow the conversion of observed colors into RGB formulas: direct comparison with colors generated on a computer screen, and color sampling from digital images of the specimens, through commonly used illustration soft- ware. Equipment and software costs are considered the main limitations, but stability, reproducibil- ity, objectiveness, prompt visualization, and the null influence of surrounding colors on colors displayed on a computer screen are recognized as major advantages justifying the adoption of the procedure.