How to Identify Indiana Insects

Indiana has a wide variety of interesting bugs and insects. It can be challenging to identify a particular insect that you see buzzing around your garden or crawling up the wall of your living room. To increase the odds of successfully identifying an insect, observe the bug's behavior and characteristics and record as much information as possible about your observations. Check the Internet to find possible insect identification resources in Indiana. Local universities, pest control agencies and even garden shops may be able to assist in your search for the bug's identity.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital camera
  • Camera phone (optional)
  • Pen or pencil
  • Notebook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the insect and record your observations. Note the insect's size; shape; color or colors; number of wings, antennae and legs; and any distinctive or unusual patterns.

    • 2

      Note the location where the bug was found as well as any information you can determine about its diet.

    • 3

      Take pictures of the bug. They can help with identification, particularly if the bug gets away.

    • 4

      Consult reference books that deal with Indiana insects. Go to the reference section of a bookstore or library, and take your pictures with you. Ask a store clerk or librarian to help you locate books about Indiana insects. Browse through the pictures and read the captions and page notes describing the insects to help with identification.

    • 5

      Go online and visit websites such as Insect Identification's official site, which has a bug finder feature. This feature helps identify insects and spiders based on their locations and physical characteristics. Use the drop-down menu to select the insect's primary and secondary body colors and number of legs. Choose "Indiana" as the location. Click "Search the Database" to view the insects.

    • 6

      Contact the entomology department or pest diagnostic library at an Indiana university and ask about the process for insect identification. You might be required to submit an insect identification form, in addition to a digital photo or an actual sample of the insect, and pay a service fees.