Carpophiline-ID: an interactive matrix-based key to the carpophiline sap beetles (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae) of Eastern North America

Carpophiline-ID is presented, a matrix-based Lucid (TM) key, for the adult stage of the known species of Carpophilinae (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) of North America, east of the Mississippi River. An overview of the features and technical specifications used to build the key is provided. The list of terminal taxa used in the key represents the most current regional account for Carpophilinae, a beetle subfamily of agricultural and ecological importance. The value of matrix-based, free access keys for the identification of difficult taxa is discussed.

Automated summary

This study presents Carpophiline-ID, a matrix-based Lucid (TM) key for the adult stage of known species of Carpophilinae in North America east of the Mississippi River. An overview of the features and technical specifications used to build the key is provided, along with a discussion on the value of matrix-based, free access keys for the identification of challenging taxa.