Insect identification

• Identification requirements
• Identification process
• How to prepare and send specimens
• Preparing specimens by freezing
• Preparing specimens using alcohol

The Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), which is part of CSIRO Entomology, operates insect identification as a fee for service for a variety of Australian species.

The service can:

• identify a range of Australian insects, mites and nematodes (NOT spiders, scorpions, worms, slugs etc.)
• provide general information on biology, cataloguing and distribution 
• advise on preparation of specimens.

• ACT: Canberra Connect [external link]
• NSW: Australian Museum [external link]
• NT: Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory [external link]
• QLD: Queensland Museum  [external link]
• SA: South Australian Museum [external link]
• TAS: Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery [external link]
• VIC: Museum Victoria [external link]
• WA: Western Australian Museum [external link].

Identification requirements

Regarding identification:

• CSIRO's Insect Identification will only identify insect species known to occur in Australia including introduced species (do not send non-Australian specimens)
  
  
• we will not identify spiders, scorpions, worms, slugs etc
  
  
• requests should be detailed on the Insect identification submission form
  
  
• costs for identification and information provided are based on the estimated time required to fulfil the request and includes all associated costs
  
  
• the identification process usually takes about two weeks after the client's acceptance of the quote
  
  
• a surcharge is applied if the work requires greater urgency
  
  
• requests for identification and information on submission processes can be obtained from the ANIC Collection Manager
  
  
• major ongoing identification tasks can be discussed with the ANIC Collection Manager.

Specimens sent for identification should be in good condition and be accompanied by a completed submission form (see link at right). 

Full collection data should also be provided, this includes:

• the locality of collection (at least the address)
• State or Territory
• date of collection
• name of collector
• name of any other associated organism (for example, host plant or animal)
• any other biological information may be helpful and of interest.

Identification process

It is preferable that you contact the ANIC Collection Manager to discuss your request prior to sending specimens.

Specimens sent for identification are retained by the ANIC unless their return is specifically requested.

On receipt of a request CSIRO will:

1. evaluate the request and calculate the charge 
2. provide a quote
3. upon acceptance of terms, either obtain and provide the requested identification and/or information as far as is possible, or inform the customer of any delay or obstacle 
4. if requested, return any specimens or other material to the customer.

We will not identify non-Australian species, and we will not identify spiders, scorpions, worms, slugs etc.

CSIRO reserves the right to decline any request.

How to prepare and send specimens 

Squashed or damaged specimens are often not identifiable. It is best to send the insects in whilst they are still fresh, but not living.

There are two methods for preparing insects:

• freezing
• alcohol.

Preparing specimens by freezing

For most insects, particularly moths and butterflies (for larvae and caterpillars see below), place them in an air tight container (for example a screw top jar or vial), and then store in the freezer for two to five days.

Bigger insects may require longer.

Once the insect has died, remove it from the freezer, allow to thaw and dry.

Place the dry insect in a crush proof container (for example a film canister) making sure to cushion the specimen inside the container using dry tissue (not cotton wool) to prevent it being damaged.

Place it inside a padded post bag or small box and post immediately.

Preparing specimens using alcohol

Insects such as grubs, larvae and caterpillars, should be placed directly in a mixture of 80 per cent ethanol/methylated spirits (undyed) and 20 per cent water, in a sealed container for at least two days.

This method is not suitable for adult moths and butterflies as it damages the scales on their wings.

Once the insect has died, pour off as much liquid as possible and cushion the specimen with water dampened tissue (not cotton wool) in a rigid water proof container (for example a film canister), to keep the specimen moist.

Place it inside a padded post bag or small box and post immediately, as damp specimens can quickly become mouldy.

NOTE: Do not post methylated spirits or ethanol - this is against postal regulations.

Use the Insect identification submission form for all identification requests. Find out more about the Australian National Insect Collection.

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Related Links

• Insect fact sheets
• Australian National Insect Collection
• CSIRO Entomology

• Insect identification submission form
• CSIRO Entomology overview
• Australian National Insect Collection overview
• The history of the Australian National Insect Collection