Scientists conduct research on the identification and classification of beetles, moths, flies, true bugs, aphids, termites, thrips, and mites that impact U.S. agriculture and security. These are crop pests, invasive species, species for biological control of noxious insects and weeds, and species of quarantine significance. Scientists use digital imaging, DNA sequencing, and electron microscopy among other techniques to produce results that impact upon federal, state, public, and private agencies.

Service

The Communications and Taxonomic Services Unit coordinates SEL’s insect and mite identification service. Scientists identify more than 60,000 specimens each year that provide critical support to research projects in ecology, conservation biology, biological control, and integrated pest management. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the primary user of this service, but the user community is diverse and includes other ARS research laboratories, universities, and foreign governments.

Information

Scientists respond to requests for information relating to the taxonomy, biology, ecology, and distribution of insect and mite species. Regulatory agencies such as APHIS use this information to develop strategies for protecting the U.S. from invasive species and agricultural pests. SEL scientists produce databases and interactive identification tools on the SEL website to meet the information needs of the public and scientific community. Much information is gleaned from building, maintaining, and developing digital archives of the Smithsonian Institution’s insect and mite collections.

M. Alma Solis, Research Leader
Room 133, Building 005, BARC-West
10300 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705
301-504-5183