Andrena key – Identikit demo – David Cappaert

Interactive key to a few random Andrena

​How it works: As you choose options from the list on the left, taxa on the right are scored to reflect the fit with selected characters. The side-by-side comparison tool places selected taxa in a row to the right, highlighting differences in character states.
The key here is NOT a useful diagnostic tool. Rather, it is a proof-of-concept experiment with Identikit software, a possible alternative to the xml-based interactive keys of DiscoverLife.  “Identikit” is free software developed by the Field Studies Council, which is based in the UK. It draws on csv files 

I’ve arbitrarily chosen 7 Andrena species, and a subset of characters scored for these species in DiscoverLife. I am asking the question of n alternativeis largely based on Bees of the genus Ceratina in America north of Mexico, Daly, 1973. Consult this for in-depth treatment of Ceratina species.

Authors: David Cappaert, Quamash EcoResearch, Lincoln Best, Oregon Bee Atlas

  • Several characters are grouped as “metafemur (M),” i.e. features of the hind leg femur of males, in anterior view. I give you permission to remove the right-side leg of a pinned specimen. 
  • Shortcut: for the character Yellow/ivory marks on clypeus: “hat-shaped” = male.
  • The key should be robust – several lines of evidence should get you to the right answer. But believe your eyes: verify that the detailed species images are a reasonable match for the key, while recognising that some features – color, clypeal marks – are variable within species.
  • Spoiler alert: most Ceratina will be acantha. C. arizonensis is the rarest – known from one OR location–so far.

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