For best results in keying specimens, the authors strongly recommend that users select both Retain Uncertainties and Allow Misinterpretations from the " Key " menu by placing a checkmark beside each option.

Users will need a dissecting microscope for examination of all taxa, and a compound microscope for many of the mite groups. This key allows identification of all families of arachnids (and subfamilies for water mites) that are known from Australian inland waters. Water mite families and subfamilies are identified in a subkey associated with the taxon Hydracarina.