In this section:
Insect Diagnostic Service
The Entomology Unit provides an insect identification and advisory service. Identifications are performed by qualified staff to the highest taxonomic level - to species where possible. Biological information is given when requested. Guidelines for control are given when available and requested.
- A large and comprehensive collection (5000 species) of pest and beneficial insects in South Australia allows rapid and reliable identification of most insects.
- Our 'on the ground' knowledge and experience of pest management in South Australia are the basis of our advisory service.
- Insect identification services are available to the public.
Identifications can be provided by phone, facsimile or email within 3 working days. Every effort will be made to identify to species level. When this is not possible the specimen can be forwarded to a taxonomic specialist, but additional costs will be invoiced to the client. A client has 48 hours from time of the interim report to advise whether they require further identification.
All specimens sent in for identification should be accompanied by the Insect Diagnostic Service Specimen Form (.PDF 54KB), which can be downloaded and printed. Please complete the form as accurately as possible.
Services available and payments
The Entomology Unit offers the following services.
| Insect identification only | POA |
| Insect identification + Biological information | POA |
| Sticky trap (presence or absence of Western Flower Thrips) | $7.70 |
| Sticky trap (other than Western Flower Thrips) | POA |
| All other services are Price on Application (POA) | POA |
Unless otherwise indicated, please do not send payment with the sample. The cost of the service(s) will be billed to you. An invoice will be sent with the result.
Information required
It is very important that the following details are included on the Specimen Form.
Client Details: name, postal address, phone and fax numbers, location of your property
Sample Details: date collected, plant or animal host (if known), location and a brief description of the damage caused
Background Information: pattern or extent of infestation
Investigation Requested: indicate whether you require identification only or identification plus additional biological and/ or control information
Special Requirements: eg faxing of results
Posting insect specimens
Special kits are available for the posting of insect specimens.
Preparation of insects
Soft-bodied insects (larvae)
- Place in 80% alcohol or methylated spirits OR
- If sending live larvae ensure they have adequate supply of host plant material/ soil
Adult insects
- Adults of beetles, wasps, moths etc can be killed before posting by placing in a freezer for a few hours; pack the specimens into a container, using tissues to prevent damage
Selecting a container
For liquid samples
- Ensure the container can't be easily crushed and has a good sealing lid; small glass vials are ideal
For dried specimens
- Don't place dried specimens directly into an envelope, always pack into a container first
Posting
- The container can be placed into 'Post Pack' or other suitable envelopes that have packing included
- Yellow sticky cards used for Western Flower Thrips (WFT) monitoring (10cm x 5cm or 1 side only) should be folded back on themselves (ie sticky sides together) when sending in for identification. Do NOT place clear plastic over the top of each card. Cards can be placed in a suitable envelope for posting
- Ensure you have our correct postal or delivery address - see below
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Postal address: |
Delivery address: |
If in doubt about how to send your specimen or for other general enquiries
Phone or fax the Insect Diagnostic Service
Phone: +61 08 83039540
+61 08 8303 9536 (Monday to Wednesday)
Fax: +61 08 8303 9542
