TaxaLibrary.MDB (5 February 2026)

Please read the whole page before continuing with the download and update process.

The MapMate Taxa Library file is a repository for all taxa recorded in the British Isles. From this file via the My Configuration utility, users preferred taxonomic (and site) interests are selected and stored in a separate database file. Until the retirement of MapMate Support, updates to this taxa repository were via system patches downloaded from the MapMate website.

Since the retirement of MapMate Support, MapMate "term tables" such as the taxa library are no longer maintained via system patches. A request has been submitted with the original owners to use the patching utilities; however, until such time the utilities are made available, users will need to manually download and install the updated TaxaLibrary.MDB file using the download link and instructions on this page.

Please address any questions or support issues via the MapMate Users Facebook group (preferred) or via email to Les Evans-Hill.

The following updates are included in this version:

The first and second updates to A Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British isles (Second edition), 2024.
A complete refresh, including synonyms of Diptera: Agromyzidae. Many thanks to Barry Warrington.
Various updates to other Diptera, Hymenoptera and Araneae. Many thanks to Peter Harvey.
Other minor housekeeping.

⚠️ Important File Download Disclaimer

By clicking the download link below, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

"As Is" Basis: The file is provided "as is" without any express or implied warranties, including but not limited to, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement.
Risk: You assume all risks associated with the download and use of this file, including, but not limited to, viruses, corruption, or incompatibility.
No Liability: We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages (including loss of data or profit) that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the material.
Verification: We strongly recommend you use up-to-date antivirus software to scan the downloaded file before opening it.

If you do not agree with these terms, do not proceed with the download.

How to update your Taxa Library

Your My MapMate folder will in either:

C:\Users\{your_windows_username}\OneDrive\Documents\My MapMate
C:\Users\{your_windows_username}\Documents\My MapMate

You MUST ABSOLUTELY make a copy of your original TaxaLibrary.MDB for backup purposes.

Access logo
Download Taxa Library (5 February 2026)

Click the link above to download the TaxaLibrary - 20260205.MDB file into the Downloads folder. Some browsers may prompt you to make sure you want to download the file.
Move the downloaded file to My MapMate\Data\Taxa
Rename the original TaxaLibrary.MDB file to TaxaLibrary - Old.MDB, for backup purposes.
Rename TaxaLibrary - 20260205.MDB to TaxaLibrary.MDB
Open Mapmate and run My Configuration with your predefined Taxa and Site filters.

To revert back to the previous working copy of the TaxaLibrary file, navigate to My MapMate\Data\Taxa, rename TaxaLibrary.MDB to TaxaLibrary - 20260205.MDB, then rename TaxaLibrary - Old.MDB to TaxaLibrary.MDB. Then run My Configuration.

Taxa synonymy

Where a species name (not the genus which may affect many species) has changed, a new taxon record may have been added instead of just overwriting to old name. For example, Apodia brifactella (Duponchel, [1843]) is now a junior synonym of A. martinii Petry, 1911. It may be necessary to update your records with the new taxa name before you can use it in atlases and reports.

Where this affects many records, a new user SQL query can be created to automate the update. Before making any changes, it is strongly recommended that you backup your database before proceeding.

To create the new query:

Open the Analysis tab in MapMate and select User queries.
Double-click <new user query>.
Enter the new query name UPDATE #Taxon2 with #Taxon1.
Overwrite the default query text with UPDATE Records SET [*Taxon] = [#Taxon1], Records.[_gen] = -val([thisgen]) WHERE [*Taxon] = [#Taxon2] AND Right(Records.[_guk], 3) = [thiscuk]; - remember to include the semicolon!
Save the new query.

When the query is run, you will be prompted to enter and select the name of the new taxa name [#Taxon1], then the name of the old taxa name [#Taxon2]. You will then be prompted informing you how many records are affected by this change, and the option to continue or cancel.