Submitting Insect Samples

Insect, spider, tick and mite specimens can be submitted by e-mail or mail to the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic for identification at no charge.

Whichever method you choose we will need a little background information. Where and when you saw your insect.  How many you are seeing.  Your county of residence and how you would like us to get back in touch with you.


E-mail:  You can e-mail a close-up digital image to insects@ iastate.edu

Extension office:  You can also take your insect to your local extension office and they can either identify the insect or can mail it to us.

Mail: You can send your specimen directly to us.  Specimens should be dead when mailed.  Please mail in a box or padded envelope to prevent crushing. Soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, aphids, spiders can be preserved in hand sanitizer gel.  Hard bodies insects sucg as moths, butterflies, beetles, ants and ticks do not need to be preserved, but should be restrained in container so they don't bounce around too much in the mail. 

Mail to:

Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
Iowa State University
327 Bessey Hall
Ames, IA  50011