At each step of the identification process, users can list out the remaining taxa (a) or print an illustrated textual key (b).

<p>At each step of the identification process, users can list out the remaining taxa (a) or print an illustrated textual key (b).</p

Example of a XML file containing a dichotomous key.

<p>The element keyMetadata contains title, authors, introduction, number of taxa and of steps. The element keyData stores the key, and is made of as many lead elements as the leads of the key. Each lead element can contain the following nested elements: leadId, coupletNumber, leadText, leadTo, leadImage, leadSpecies, leadSpeciesId</p

Some of the characters become accessible only when specific character states are selected.

<p>When selecting the state “with petals” for the character “Flowers” (a), the character "colour of petals" becomes usable (b).</p

Reducing a key.

<p>The key array is compared with the list of remaining taxa by using the IDs, maintaining in the key array the useful leads only, and building a new, smaller dichotomous key.</p

Multi-entry interface

<p>. Users can query the database by taxon name, family, and/or by a combination of several easily observable morphological characters. Each character state is displayed by icons, which remain highlighted when clicked.</p

Input and storage of taxon names in the database of a portal.

<p>Once a list of names is inputted, the software checks whether the names match accepted names in the reference checklist, and stores them with their IDs in the checklist and in the database of morphological traits. Non-matching names are reported, and can be manually related to accepted taxa when they are synonyms, or inputted as “new taxa”.</p

Popup window with information on a character.

<p>Popup window with information on a character.</p

Digital dichotomous key.

<p>It includes only the taxa selected using the multi-entry interface.</p

Taxon page.

<p>It lists scientific name, synonyms (when present), family and its position in the APG III system, an image, a distribution map in the regions of Italy, vernacular names, a note, and a gallery of images.</p

The multi-entry interface produces an illustrated gallery of taxa sharing the selected characters.

<p>The multi-entry interface produces an illustrated gallery of taxa sharing the selected characters.</p