University of Georgia
Insect Identification
Proper diagnosis is critical to effectively manage pest problems on
agronomic crops or ornamentals and turf. It's important to remember
that only a small percentage of insects that occur on plants are pests.
The ability to identify both pests and beneficial insects is necessary
to achieve good pest management.
The Fayette County Extension Service and The University of Georgia Extension Service Entomology Department can assist homeowners, professional green industry personnel and farmers with insect identification. Insect specimens can be submitted to the Fayette County Extension Office for identification .Results in most cases will return in approximately 24-48 hours along with applicable recommendations. There is no fee for this service.
Submitting Insects for Identification
Submitting Insects for Identification
In order to obtain a correct identification of an insect, the county agent must receive properly preserved specimens. When possible, it would be helpful to collect two or three specimens from the same location.
Insects may not be identifiable beyond family or even order level after being crushed or decayed. Most specimens you encounter are small enough to be placed in a jar or other protective container. Large insects such as butterflies, wasps and beetles, should be placed in a large jar and or a small crushproof container.
Never mix moths and butterflies with other insects or put other insects into a killing jar that has contained them. Their dust-like scales quickly cover other insects and greatly complicate proper identification.
Mites, thrips and scale insects should be brought in with the host plant because they are easily damaged by removal and their characteristic appearance on the plant is often crucial to identification. If possible, small caterpillars, grubs and maggots should be brought in live in a plastic bag with some of the host material. Sometimes they cannot be identified until they are reared to the adult stage.
Tips for Submitting Insect Specimens
To obtain rapid, accurate identification of insect specimens, be sure to include the following information::
- Where specimen was collected.
- Your name and address.
- Date it was collected.
- Host plant(s) or whatever the insects were feeding on, if applicable.
- Stage of growth: seedling, blooming, fruiting, one week before harvest, young animal (less than three months old), mature animal.
- Degree of infestation.
- What, if any, chemicals have been applied.
Resources for Insect Identification
The following web sites have more information on insect identification and control:
For more information please contact us at 770.460.5730 Ext. 5412.