In 2006, bluetongue virus (BTV) outbreaks appeared surprisingly
in northern Europe and widely affected most of the European countries.
Correct identification of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), known
as BTV vectors, is a key component of all studies intending to understand
vector dynamics and to develop vector control strategies. A computer-based
system, Xper2, was used to develop an Interactive Identification Key (IIKC)
for female Culicoides from the West Palearctic region. The current version of
IIKC includes 108 taxa, 61 descriptors and 837 pictures and schemes. IIKC
is a powerful tool for routinely identifying Culicoides species and for training
young specialized taxonomists.
