Insect Identification Laboratory
Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech

Identification of Adult Stages of Insects

Select the insect from set #3 that most closely resembles the pest found in your house or pantry. If you do not see an insect that resembles the one found in your house go on to set #1 or set #2. Because this only covers the major pests you may have something else. In that case you should contact your county extension agent. He/She is well trained in local insect problems.

Set #3, eight choices.

EARWIG Earwigs have a distinctive set of pincers on their tail end. BOOKLICE Booklice are very small (less then 1/4 inch or 6 mm), pale colored, and usually associated with stored food or tree bark.
WHEEL BUG Although this view is from the top, wheel bugs have a distinctive wheel or cog like structure on their back that is best viewed from the side. BOXELDER BUG Boxelder bugs are about 1/2 inch or 1 cm long and are black with RED markings.
BED BUG These bugs are 1/4 to 1/2 inch (5 to 10 mm) long and reddish brown in color. MOSQUITO These small flies are dark colored and have long mouthparts.
SILVERFISH These insects are silver to white in color, wingless, and are covered with dust like scales. Does not fit, GO TO LIST 1 OR GO TO LIST 2