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Ten Simple Questions to Help You Identify An Insect

By Debbie Hadley, About.com

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Question #2: Is the Insect An Adult?

To identify an insect, first be sure you have an adult. Most keys are designed to identify adult insects.

To identify an insect, first be sure you have an adult. Most keys are designed to identify adult insects.

The taxonomic orders are based on the adult forms of insects. If you have a caterpillar, for example, you won’t be able to use most guides or dichotomous keys. There are ways to identify immature insects, but for this article, we are only looking at adults.

Photo credit: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey

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