Recognizing and naming species underpins assessment of species richness, patterns of diversity, distribution and endemism, and most of the templates used to define invertebrate assemblages and help set priorities for conservation. Formal names facilitate information retrieval, and also influence allocation of funds and expertise. Current taxonomic expertise is limited, and could be focused for greater collective effect in conservation activities, particularly by emphasizing higher groups established as having priority value in ecological interpretation, and capitalizing on knowledge already available to project their values in broader assessment of assemblages.