TicKeyTool – A new way to identify ticks

Identifying ticks to species level can be challenging, even for trained professionals. TicKeyTool was developed as a user-friendly electronic key that makes the process faster and more reliable — and we contributed to its creation.

Instead of relying on lengthy taxonomic manuals, the tool offers a visual, step-by-step interface based on morphological criteria. With a few guided choices, users can identify one of 11 common hard tick species in Europe, representing 5 genera. At this stage, only adults are included, but future updates will add immature stages and more species from the Western Palearctic.

Beyond surveillance and diagnostics, TicKeyTool is also a teaching and self-learning resource, helping students, researchers, and field professionals strengthen their knowledge of tick morphology and systematics in an interactive way.