INSECT & MITE IDENTIFICATION

CONTENTS

Foliage Feeders
(Click here to view the thumbnail photos)

Variegated Cutworm
Redbacked Cutworm
Alfalfa Looper
Cabbage Looper
Beet Armyworm
Bertha Armyworm
Black Cutworm
Glassy Cutworm
Spotted Cutworm
Olive Green Cutworm
Western Yellowstriped Armyworm
Zebra Caterpillar
False Celery Leaftier
Orange Mint Moth
Grasshoppers
Strawberry Root Weevil Adults
Black Vine Weevil Adults
Mint Flea Beetle Adults

Sucking Insects
(Click here to view the thumbnail photos)

Spider Mites
Mint Aphid
Thrips

Root Feeders
(Click here to view the thumbnail photos)

Mint Root Borer
Strawberry Root Weevil
Black Vine Weevil
Mint Flea Beetle
Wireworms
Symphylans
Redbacked Cutworm
Black Cutworm
Glassy Cutworm
Mint Stem Borer

Beneficial Insects
(Click here to view the thumbnail photos)

Bigeyed Bug
Damsel Bug
Minute Pirate Bug
Green Lacewing
Lady Beetles
Hymenoptera Parasites
Tachinid Parasites
Syrphid Flies
Parasitic Nematodes
Mite Predators

[Insect Management]

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This section contains information to assist with the identification of the major insects and mites on mint.  Select a category from the contents menu to view thumbnail photos of insects in each category or select individual insects in each category to view.

Submitting Samples to the OSU Insect Identification Clinic

The OSU extension entomology identification specialist routinely receives for identification insects, related arthropods and their damage. The Insect Clinic is staffed with a taxonomist who works closely with Extension Entomologists and other faculty to provide names, biological information and controls if requested. The best way to submit a sample for identification is summarized below.

1. Live samples and fresh damage may be hand delivered or shipped. Put sample in solid container with substrate from which collected or with damp (not wet) paper towel; place in a solid box to prevent breakage or crushing during transport.
2. Specimens may be submitted in alcohol ( rubbing alcohol will do); be sure you have a container that will hold liquid, NOT film containers they often pop open. If specimen is large change the alcohol once or twice within two hours of collecting. Do not send samples in water; unless they are live aquatic specimens. Small specimens should be placed in small containers e.g. a quart jar of alcohol with one mite may result in the diagnosis of no insect found.
3. Samples smashed on tape or paper are usually unidentifiable.
4. Moths and butterflies adults should be submitted dead and dry, not in alcohol. Specimens can be placed in a paper envelope or carefully wrapped in paper and put in a noncrushable container. Sticky trap samples may be difficult to identify.
5. A series of 6 to 12 specimens is often necessary for identification.
6. Submit fresh plant samples in plastic zip lock bags.
7. Complete insect identification request form available from county extension office or OSU Department of Entomology.
8. If your sample is of medical concern include all relevant information such as: recent travel, association with animals, food eaten, or any information relating to possible contact with specimen of concern.

Mail or hand deliver to: Lynn Royce, Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, 2046 Cordley Hall, Corvallis OR 97331-2907

Phone 541-737-5520, Fax 541-737-3643 email roycel@bcc.orst.edu

• Supplies for mailing specimens may be obtained from the clinic at cost