AMPIS is a comprehensive database of pictures and illustrations of the morphology of a collection of selected amphipod pilot species. All macro- and micro-characters of the entire body surface are systematically recorded. A pilot species in AMPIS is represented by a large number of illustrations and scanning electron micrographs accessible via a series of increasing magnification steps. Functional morphological interpretations will be made based on the inventories. Explanatory video recordings concerning specific behaviour will be added. This unique vertical database, first of its kind, will be complementary to the many overlapping horizontal database projects that have been developed or are under construction. AMPIS will meet a demand for a framework of more detailed information of the highly complex morphology of amphipods. It is an entirely new approach towards taxonomic research. AMPIS is the result of a cooperation between the Zoological Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Radboud University of Nijmegen, and the University of Amsterdam, the last two partners from the Netherlands. The project is funded by the China Exchange Programme of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]