This application is intended as an exploratory tool to assist in the identification of Pseudochazara species occurring in the western Palaearctic. A corresponding tool for the eastern part of the range is currently in preparation.
In Pseudochazara, external morphological characters often show substantial intraspecific variability and may overlap broadly between taxa. Identifications based on external appearance alone should therefore be regarded as provisional and evaluated in context.
The key is designed to narrow down possibilities and to highlight plausible taxa, not to replace critical comparison with reference material, genitalia examination where appropriate, or the evaluation of molecular evidence (e.g. mtDNA) within a broader taxonomic framework.
Several characters commonly used in the identification of Pseudochazara species show variable degrees of practical visibility, depending on specimen condition, viewing angle, illumination, and image quality.
Although such characters may be informative at a theoretical level, their recognition is not always consistent under routine conditions, particularly when based on photographs or worn material.
For this reason, character selection and weighting within the key are based not only on distinctiveness, but also on the reliability with which a character can be observed across a wide range of specimens and visual sources.
Characters showing limited or unstable visibility are therefore treated as supportive rather than primary, contributing to the overall pattern of similarity rather than providing decisive discrimination on their own.
The key is designed to guide the user towards a restricted set of plausible taxa rather than to deliver a single, unequivocal identification. Outputs are often ranked by plausibility, reflecting the degree of concordance between the selected character states and the available data.
In groups characterised by strong intraspecific variation and overlapping character states, apparent uncertainty is an inherent and informative part of the identification process rather than a shortcoming of the tool.
Results should be interpreted critically and re-assessed through the examination of additional specimens, comparison with reference material, and consultation of the associated taxonomic notes.
The interactive identification key accessible below allows direct comparison of character states across multiple taxa within the genus Pseudochazara.
Open the interactive identification key
Comments, corrections, and well-documented observations are welcome and may be sent to ingffantoni@gmail.com.