Keys...

[Kipling Will]

When keys constructed so that "not as above" is avoided by multiple
occurrence of a taxon in the key the end user may suffer much difficulty if
one thinks they know the taxon and wishes to backthrough the key.  As has
been stated, taxa are often polymorphic and in many cases (at least in
beetles) a single character or state does not exist clearly diagnosing a
species or higher taxa. However, if clarity can be added by a paralleling,
negative couplet-half then authors should include the alternative.
Kipling W.Will
Dept. of Ent.
Cornell Unv.
Ithaca, NY 14953
(607)255-1351
kww4 at cornell.edu

Just looking for the right rock to turn.