Location: Systematic Entomology Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-22000-317-031-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2024
End Date: Sep 30, 2025
Objective:
Provide expert identifications and associated information of insects and mites to APHIS/Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) in support of quarantine activities. Additionally, SEL shall participate in training for port identifiers and other APHIS personnel as necessary, including taxonomy,/diagnostics, mounting/labeling, imaging, etc. The agreement also includes previous funding for an SEL post-doctorate in Coleoptera systematics and taxonomy. Other items: identification aids, responsibilities for taxonomic specialty, etc.
Approach:
ARS scientists use the U.S. National Collections, literature collections, and experience to identify specimens submitted by APHIS 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 ARM (Agricultural Risk Management system) along with any relevant biological information to APHIS headquarters in Riverdale, Maryland, where appropriate reference specimens are kept for incorporation into the U.S. National Collections.
