Table 1:

Methods used for insect identification, with suitability assessed according to accuracy, expertise, general applicability, time, and throughput criteria

Identification method	Taxonomic expertise	Identify specific taxa	Identify broad range of taxa	Throughput level	Time per identification
Morphological
Microscopic examination	High	High*	High*	Low	Moderate
Molecular
PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism	Low	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
DNA barcoding	Low	High	High	Low	Moderate
Quantitative PCR/droplet digital PCR	Low	High	Low	High	Low
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification	Low	High	Low	Low	Low
Metabarcoding	Low	High	High	Very high	Low

^*This morphological identification score assumes a high level of taxonomic knowledge and a low human error rate.