At the molecular level species and subspecies can be differentiated by the degree of sequence divergence at key genes (e.g. Cytochrome Oxidase I - often referred to as the species barcoding gene). Assuming we have a specimen that represents the true locality, then comparisons can be made to that specimen and thus the degree of divergence estimated.

Cost is dependent on the person performing the screening, the number of specimens, and the time frame, but for this aspect, under $1000 is not unlikely if new primers are not required.

Warren
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Dr Warren Booth / Director USARK
North Carolina State University
Department of Entomology

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