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Extension Entomology

Category: Diagnostics

Insect Diagnostics 2022 Has Begun

–by Anthony Zukoff — Southwest Research & Extension Center–Garden City, KS

 

In May of 2021, the Insect Diagnostics program was brought back into service in an all new digital format.  Members of the public seeking assistance identifying an insect can access the Insect Diagnostics ID Request Form online.  After providing observation information such as location and date of the sighting, followed by answering a set of questions intended to help with the identification process, one can then upload up to 3 photos and submit the form.  The inquiry is then forwarded on to one of the entomology extension specialists.  Within a few days, usually less than two, the identity of the insect along with appropriate life history information and/or control measures is then sent to the client by email or phone.   The online submission process takes only a few minutes and can be accessed with desktop computers and mobile devices.   If you need insect identification assistance, submit a request at https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostician/.

 

Insect Diagnostics 2021 Season Summary

–by Anthony Zukoff — Southwest Extension and Research Center

In May of 2021, the Insect Diagnostics program was brought back into service in an all-new digital format.  Members of the public seeking assistance identifying an insect can access the Insect Diagnostics ID Request Form online.  After providing observation information such as location and date of the sighting, followed by answering a set of questions intended to help with the identification process, one can then upload up to 3 photos and submit the form.  The inquiry is then forwarded on to one of the entomology extension specialists.  Within a few days, usually less than two, the identity of the insect along with appropriate life history information and/or control measures is then sent to the client by email or phone.   The online submission process takes only a few minutes and can be accessed with desktop computers and mobile devices.

Between the initial launch in May and the end of September, Insect Diagnostics has processed 50 inquiries from 3 states.  Kansas represented the majority of inquiries, but citizens of Colorado and Kentucky also utilized Insect Diagnostic’s services this year.  Identification requests fell into several categories, from requests out of general curiosity to much more specific identification needs.  The Home/Structural and General categories contained the bulk of this season’s inquiries (Figure 1).  During the season, a variety of clientele reached out to our program for identification assistance.  Homeowner’s submitted the most requests, followed by commercial pest control services (Figure 2).  Government entities, independent agronomists and extension agents utilized our service as well.

Figure 1. Percent of total inquiries received for each request category during the 2021 season.

Figure 2. Percent of total inquiries received from each clientele category during the 2021 season.

While insects identified this season varied quite a bit, a few were more common in requests than others.  Fall Armyworm was abundant in crops and lawns during the 2021 growing season and it showed up in requests frequently.  As news outlets continued to report on the “Murder Hornets” in the Pacific Northwest, quite a few inquiries came in towards the end of summer for the unrelated, yet similar looking Cicada Killer wasp.  Serious pests such as termites and bedbugs were identified several times and important control information was provided to the homeowners.  Sometimes, inquiries were simply interesting insects that are not often observed, such as the Arkansas Clearwing moth (Figure 3.)

Figure 3. An Arkansas Clearwing Moth (Synanthedon arkansasensis).  Photo by Jan Johnson, Shawnee Co.

The main season for insect activity may be coming to a close, but the Insect Diagnostics Program will continue to operate and accept online inquiries throughout the fall and winter.  Insect Diagnostics would like to thank specialists Raymond Cloyd, Cassandra Olds, Jeff Whitworth and Frannie Miller for their contributions and expertise, which helped make the 2021 Insect Diagnostics reboot a success.  If you need insect identification assistance, submit a request at https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostician/.

 

Insect Diagnostics Program

–by Anthony Zukoff — Southwest Research and Extension Center

The Insect Diagnostics Program is currently accepting identification requests of digital images using this Online Identification Request Form.  Providing clear photos and filling out as much information as possible in the form will help our specialists make accurate determinations and aid in providing more information about the specimen as well as appropriate control recommendations if applicable.  Before submitting your form along with photos, here are a few tips for photographing specimens you would like to be identified. https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cLVJsjX5Sy6kjOu

When possible, three images should be submitted. For most arthropods an image of the top (dorsal) of the animal is most crucial; many insects can be identified with this image alone.
Some require other views:

• For most larvae (caterpillars, grubs, maggots) side and bottom (ventral) views are important as well as the head capsule.
• Beetles should be shown with top, bottom, and head (front) views.
• Butterflies and moths should have clear views of wings both above and below.
• Spiders should have top (body) and front (head) views with a visible arrangement of their eyes.

Fill the frame
Aim to get as close to the subject as possible while still ensuring that it is in focus.  Cropping a photo afterwards can be an acceptable way of enlarging your subject depending on the camera you are using.

In general, specimens that are less than 5 mm (1/4 inch) are too small to be identified from images using common digital equipment even if zooming in or cropping. Use judgment on specimens that are small but larger than 5 mm.

Lighting
Be sure the subject is well lit.  Avoid casting a shadow over it as you take the photo.  Good lighting is essential for observing true coloration and other important physical aspects of an insect.  Good lighting will also help to get the subject in focus more easily.

Focus
Blurry or out of focus, subjects usually cannot be identified with certainty.  Active specimens can be slowed down by placing them in a freezer or refrigerator for a short time before taking pictures.  This will reduce the chances of capturing a blurry photo of the specimen due to movement.

Living Subjects
Pictures of live specimens are preferable. Many caterpillars and soft-bodied insects lose their natural color or become dark when they die. Additionally, identification manuals use color patterns to help distinguish different species, colors on adult specimens can fade when they die.

Responses will be transmitted using the contact info you provide on the form.  One to five business days may be required to make an identification. Depending on time of the year and complexity of the problem, more time may be needed.   Please visit the Insect Diagnostics website for more information. https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostician/

 

ID to last week’s bug

–by Frannie Miller

Jumping Spider – This is the Bold Jumper also known as the Daring Jumping Spider. They are relatively small, compact hunting spiders. They exhibit iridescent chelicerae (see the green coloring). These spiders tend to hunt during the day. More information about common spider families in Kansas can be found by visiting: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/ep125.pdf

 

Special Note: Insect Diagnostician

–by Extension Entomology Team

The Department of Entomology at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS), currently, does not have an insect diagnostician. Therefore, all physical samples, phone calls, and emails (containing images) regarding arthropods (insects and mites) should initially be handled by the county extension offices. If the agriculture or horticulture agent is unable to identify a specific arthropod, then the agent will contact an extension entomologist at Kansas State University. This process will help expedite identifying samples and addressing inquires.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation regarding this matter.