Taxonomic Keys

How to Use a Dichotomous Key: A Tutorial Featuring 10 Common Shade Trees of the Tampa Bay Area

Andrew K. Koeser, Gitta Hasing, Michael G. Andreu, and Melissa H. Friedman

A dichotomous key is a tool used to help identify an unknown organism. This fact sheet features a key of leaf characteristics for ten common broadleaf trees in the Tampa Bay Area. Accurately navigating this series of paired, either-or choices about leaf characteristics will lead the reader to identify the correct tree from the group of ten.

Natural Area Weeds: Distinguishing Native and Non-Native "Boston Ferns" and "Sword Ferns" (Nephrolepis spp.)

Kenneth A. Langeland and Stephen F. Enloe

Key to Common Bay Trees of Florida

Lynn Proenza and Michael Andreu

Key for Identification of Landscape Turfgrass Diseases

P. F. Harmon and M. L. Elliott

This document provides a key for the preliminary diagnosis of landscape turfgrass diseases, focusing on common issues in Florida. It includes sections on disease identification, pathogen details, affected turfgrasses, occurrence timing, symptoms, cultural controls, and chemical treatments. The key helps narrow down potential disease problems and offers links to more specific diagnostic resources. For unresolved issues, consulting local extension offices or submitting samples to diagnostic clinics is recommended. First published: July 1991.

Common Pines of Florida

Niels Proctor and Martha Monroe

Key to Nine Common Smilax Species of Florida

Lynn Proenza and Michael Andreu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Bumble Bees of Florida

Joel Neylon, Lionel Stange, T. R. Fasulo, and Rachel Mallinger

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Scoliid Wasps of Florida, Campsomeris, Scolia and Trielis spp. (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Scoliidae)

E. E. Grissell

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Illustrated Key to the Genera of Free-Living Marine Nematodes in the Superfamily Chromadoroides—Exclusive of the Chromadoridae

Armen C. Tarjan and Edwin J. Keppner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Cannabis sativa Plant Identification and Its Look-Alikes

Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym

The purpose of this document is to provide an identification guide for Cannabis sativa to be used by growers and land managers by showing key factors to distinguish it from similar-looking plants. The general public and aspiring botanists may also use this document to see how a plant is defined botanically and how those characteristics can distinguish a plant of interest from other look-alike plants. Written by Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, March 2024.

Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata)

Seth Bybee

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida

Erin E. Harlow, Luke B. Harlow, Susan Haddock, and Brett W. Bultemeier

It can be difficult to determine which pesticide license is needed for an applicator's specific situation. Each license has unique study material, a different fee structure, and varied CEU requirements. This publication utilizes a "dichotomous key" for the pesticide license process to help guide users to the correct license. Each license category page will also provide all the relevant information needed to get and maintain a license in the state of Florida.

Bigeyed Bugs, Geocoris spp. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Geocoridae)

F. W. Mead

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Field Guide to Identify the Common Casuarina (Australian Pine) Species in Florida

William S. Castle and Michael Andreu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.