Abstract: This paper describes the design and development of the platform of a multimedia expert system to assist taxonomic identification, as well as the characteristics of the system. This system, named Taxokeys, is based on the dichotomous reasoning method. From expertise of insect taxonomy, dichotomous taxonomic keys for the Insecta can be revised into a knowledge database in terms of data structure using computer technology. This database can then be used as the basis for insect identification by searching for nodes within dichotomous trees of the data-structure until the final node is reached. In fact, the system is a generalIzed platform for insect taxonomists to develop their own multimedia expert systems. Taxokeys has such features as ease of adding new data, simplicity in design, and simplicity of operation, and may be useful for biological identification and taxonomic study in general. The possibility of increasing additional functions and potential applications for this system are discussed.

Key words: insect taxonomy, identification, expert system, multimedia technology