Medically important arthropods are being studied and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for arthropod identification, as well as molecular methods such as PCR. Almost any commonly accepted arthropod specimen may be identified to the genus level by extracting its DNA, amplifying the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, sequencing, and then submitting data to identification algorithms located in the computer servers. Unfortunately, PCR cost is prohibitive (due to specialized PCR research equipment, technologist time, and reagents).
As an alternative, some commercial websites exist where an expert can view a client-uploaded photograph of the arthropod for quick identification.
