Instructions
Visit your local library. Ask a reference librarian to help you locate reference books about native Illinois caterpillars. Some libraries even maintain special reference materials about insects in general. Browse through the books and look for pictures of the blue caterpillar in question.
Access Discover Life's caterpillar identification website. You can uncover a caterpillar's identity by placing a check mark next to characteristics that describe the caterpillar, such as body color, hair density and body pattern. Pinpoint native Illinois caterpillars by clicking the picture of the map beside the caterpillar. If you're unable to identify the caterpillar on your own, there are other resources available online and at local universities to help you.
Go to Insect Identification's official web page (insectidentifcation.org). This resource provides insect and spider identification based on the insect's physical appearance and location. Select "Blue" as the caterpillar's body color and "Illinois" as the location. Click "Search the Database" to view pictures of blue insects, which might be blue caterpillars or butterflies.
Contact an entomology outreach specialist at a local Illinois university and ask about the steps required to identify insects. Some entomology departments provide insect identification for the general public. For example, entomologists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign host an insect identification program. To identify the blue caterpillar, at most institutions you will be required to provide the insect's description, color, size and your location. Submitting a photograph of the actual caterpillar would also be beneficial. Most specialists can be contacted by phone or email.
Access Bug Guide's website. This bug identification resource consists of an online community of naturalists who share a passion for learning and sharing information about insects, spiders and other bugs. Before using this service, you must create an account to upload pictures to the site. Click "Register" and follow the on-screen directions to complete the registration process.
Log into your account using your username and password. Click "ID Request" and select the "Add Image" link. Upload a picture of the caterpillar and wait for other community members to positively identify it.
How to Identify Blue Caterpillars in Illinois
The task of identifying a particular type of caterpillar in Illinois can be challenging if you're unaware of insect identification-related resources. To increase your chances of identifying the creature, describing the caterpillar in detail and submitting photographs can be helpful. If you're curious about the blue caterpillar's identity that you've discovered, there are resources available online and in the local community to assist with your search.