This NSF-funded research coordination network synthesizes approaches to understand and predict biological invasions of terrestrial arthropods. The work involves 39 participants and pulls together data from insect museum collections, molecular genetics, and statistical computation. Networking activities include: (1) Database development to involve DiGIR (Distributed Generic Information Retrieval) portals and providers, (2) Workshops to focus on systematics and diagnostics of particular invasive species, (3) Research exchanges to develop methodology for the study of invasive species, including DNA-based and computational approaches; (4) Annual symposia held nationally and internationally; and (5) Focus groups to address urgent and emerging issues. This project studies terrestrial arthropods (particularly insects) because of their impact in a variety of natural and managed habitats and the need to coordinate efforts of researchers at institutions with different missions (e.g., basic research, applied management, education). The RCN will provide training at a range of levels both nationally and internationally. The project will benefit the fields of natural science, bioinformatics, agriculture, and biosecurity, and will also provide web-accessible information on alien invasive species for students, researchers, and policy makers.