How to Guide

AusWing Explorer is a research grade analytical platform designed to support taxonomic identification of Australian native bees using wing venation geometry. While extensive testing has been conducted, the software may still contain limitations and should be used as a decision support tool rather than a replacement for expert taxonomic assessment.

Accurate and consistent landmark placement is essential for reliable results.
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Landmark order and placement

Landmarks must be placed sequentially from one through to fourteen, exactly as shown. The analysis assumes this ordering, and incorrect order will invalidate results regardless of how accurate individual landmark positions appear.

Figure 1. Landmark order and placement
Landmark order is mandatory and cannot be corrected after submission.
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Landmark 3 variation

Landmark three exhibits the greatest positional variation across subgenera. Where two vein intersections appear plausible, users must select the point further inwards toward the centre of the wing. This convention is applied consistently throughout the reference dataset.

Figure 2. Landmark 3 variation
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Thyreus venation patterns

In Thyreus, landmarks eight and nine may appear displaced or visually ambiguous. These landmarks should be placed at homologous vein intersections rather than perceived symmetry or spacing.

Figure 3. Thyreus venation patterns
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Additional visual examples

These annotated examples assist in visualising correct landmark placement across a range of venation configurations and reinforce consistency.

Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6
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Why landmark precision matters

Across all evaluations, the primary source of misclassification was user landmark placement rather than the analytical framework or software itself. Accuracy remained consistently high at family and genus levels, with subgenus level outcomes most sensitive to user variability.

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Classification logic and confidence

  • Identification is attempted at the subgenus level first
  • If confidence is insufficient, results revert to genus
  • If genus confidence is insufficient, family level is returned
The system returns the highest confident taxonomic level rather than forcing a lower resolution classification.
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How to use AusWing Explorer

  • Load your wing image using the Browse button
  • Place landmarks strictly in numerical order
  • Review and undo placements if necessary
  • Select Start Identification to begin analysis