Class Insecta
Insects are an incredibly varied group of life with around 30 different orders. This key starts with determining which order a particular insect belongs. Once this is determined it will become more specific to determine the family level and finally the genus and species. It should be noted that at the level of order identification there is a great deal of diversity. Think about how many different colors, shapes, and sizes of beetles you have seen in your life. Beetles all belong to the same order, Coleoptera. With that in mind, it should be understood that some of the identifying characteristics used to place insects into their groups may be rather vague for the more general groups, but they will become more exact as you begin to reach the species level of organization.
I typically begin my insect identification with a simple question. "Does the insect have wings or not?" This may seem rather straight forward, but the more familiar you become with insects the more you will realize that there are many exceptions to the rules. One example of this would be young insects which do not have wings. Another good example would be ants. Most adult ants do not have wings. A key like this is simply a guide and should not be taken seriously. With time I will begin to work into it some of these exceptions. But, for now, it is just for fun.
Remember the vagueness that I mentioned earlier and apply it here with wings. They can be tricky, as many insects tend to fold their wings and keep them close to their body or even hidden. Beetles are another good example of the tricks insects can use. Beetles do have wings and many may be surprised to learn that the hard shell on the back of a beetle is actually a beetles forewings, so look closely when trying to determine if there are wings or not.
Once you have made your choice, you can click on one of the images below and be taken to the next corresponding pair for this key.
Back to The Insect Experience
I typically begin my insect identification with a simple question. "Does the insect have wings or not?" This may seem rather straight forward, but the more familiar you become with insects the more you will realize that there are many exceptions to the rules. One example of this would be young insects which do not have wings. Another good example would be ants. Most adult ants do not have wings. A key like this is simply a guide and should not be taken seriously. With time I will begin to work into it some of these exceptions. But, for now, it is just for fun.
Remember the vagueness that I mentioned earlier and apply it here with wings. They can be tricky, as many insects tend to fold their wings and keep them close to their body or even hidden. Beetles are another good example of the tricks insects can use. Beetles do have wings and many may be surprised to learn that the hard shell on the back of a beetle is actually a beetles forewings, so look closely when trying to determine if there are wings or not.
Once you have made your choice, you can click on one of the images below and be taken to the next corresponding pair for this key.
Back to The Insect Experience
Wings present
Wings absent
picture with link will go here.