We present a review of enzymatic, immunological and molecular methods used to distinguish between acarine taxa at all levels, including prey within the bodies of predators. Enzymatic techniques include electrophoretic analyses of enzymatic and isozyme patterns. Immunological methods encompass ELISA and the immunodot approach. Molecular methods comprise RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), use of genetic markers and PCR (the Polymerase Chain Reaction). Problems in using molecular methods include the uneven rate of gene evolution, the utilization of very few primers, the need to use invariant species-specific characters, the risk of contamination and the possibility that by employing different methods the student might obtain different results. A glossary of terms used in molecular reports is attached.