Linear keys for identification are the standard of insect taxonomy. However, with the use of the world wide web and non-linear key formats, a variety of key architectures are now available for creating pleasing and informative keys available for wide-spread use. DELTA (DEscription Language for Taxonomy), created by the CSIRO Division of Entomology, was used to produce a non-linear key to the families of the hymenopteran superfamily Cynipoidea and to the families of the basal lineages of Hymenoptera (Symphyta). A variety of tools for illustrating morphological characters were implemented to clarify the characters. The goals are to create keys to all hymenopteran families, make these keys available on the internet, and to extract the informative cladistic characters for a phylogenetic analysis of the Hymenoptera at the family level.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Cynipoidea
Keywords: interactive key, Symphyta
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