Insect Diversity and Diagnostics Lab
Welcome to InsectID! We are researchers in the Insect Diversity and Diagnostics Lab in the Entomology Department at Purdue University. Our lab is dedicated to the study of insect diversity and the development of tools for their identification. We are committed to advancing insect diagnostics and providing online resources for all to use.
Our Research
At INDD, we are passionate about exploring the rich and intricate world of insects. We work to figure out how to tell insect species apart, where they can be found geographically, and what their relationships are to each other and their environment. Our research is primarily specimen based which involves both conducting fieldwork to collect and observe insects as well as leveraging the vast information found in natural history collections.
​
People in our lab learn and apply techniques in morphology (examining physical structures), biodiversity informatics (data science relating to distribution records), and molecular phylogenetics (analyzing DNA sequences to produce evolutionary trees) to improve insect classification and species descriptions. We then synthesize this knowledge to diagnose insects and insect pest damage and to create identification tools to help others to do the same.
Insect Diagnostics
Accurate identification of insects is the first critical step in protecting crops, forests, homes, and human health from the negative consequences some species can inflict. While many insects can be incredibly damaging economically, others are beneficial and may even be helping to control unwanted pests. Knowing whether there is an insect infestation, if it needs to be controlled, and how to control it all relies on a proper diagnosis.
​
Insect diagnostics requires a comprehensive knowledge of insect diversity and taxonomy as well as an understanding of their natural history. Sometimes all that is left is a tattered leaf, shed skins, or excrement.
Check out the identification tools and publications linked on this site to see how we are advancing the field of insect diagnostics!
