Integration of artistic disciplines into entomology is not a recent phenomenon. Taxonomic illustrations and prints, intended as informative recorded observations, are regarded as works of beauty. Advancement in internet resources present the ability to communicate vastly, with a broader audience than before. The use of interactive keys, descriptive web pages and multimedia programs such as INTKEY™, Macromedia Flash™, and the Adobe™ family result in informative and pleasing opportunities for information presentation. However, these are just the applied aspects of new media in entomology. The scientific method is an intrinsically creative process. It is argued that the creation of testable hypotheses, applicable designs for experiments and recording methods for observed results benefit from creative input. Organizations such as Symbiotica, Arts Catalyst, Begonia Society, Art/Sci Index, and Art & Science Collaborations, Inc are just a few in the international community of artists/scientists that are attempting to explore creative aspects of new media in relation to the scientific process and their benefit for science. The focus of this presentation is to explore the use of interactive keys as a tool for taxonomy and the introduction of ongoing projects in new media that are created from beneficial interactions between artists and scientists.
Keywords: new media, interactive key
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