–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/.