Project Number: 1245-22000-264-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
Provide expert identifications and associated information of insects and mites to APHIS/PPQ in support of quarantine activities.

Approach:
Scientists in the laboratory use the National Collections, literature collections, and their own experience to identify specimens submitted by port identifiers. Methods include specimen preparation, use of compound and dissecting microscopes, digital images, illustrations, and collection curation techniques. Specimens are submitted via both express mail and via the internet (digital images). Specimen identifications are entered into the SELIS (Systematic Entomology Lab Identification System) along with any relevant biological information to APHIS headquarters in Riverdale, Maryland. When appropriate reference specimens are kept for incorporation into the National Collections.