Observe before you act

What did you find?

Start with what you can verify. This finder suggests routes to investigate; it cannot identify a pest from a bite, a room or a colour alone.

Your observationsWhere did you find it?What evidence do you have?Any clear distinguishing feature?Other observations (optional)

Notes are evidence to keep, not inputs used to calculate a species probability.

A useful answer starts with a useful observation.

Choose the location and the evidence. You’ll get plausible groups, what separates them and a safe next check.

Or compare common lookalikes ↗

Make the evidence more useful

Photograph the whole organism

Use steady light and include a ruler nearby if safe. Get the top and side. Do not handle an unfamiliar biting or stinging animal to get a closer picture.

Include the setting

Record the date, room or host plant, measured size, activity and any nearby damage. A specimen and its source are more informative than colour alone.

Keep uncertainty visible

If the features don’t fit, stop and ask a local extension service, plant clinic or qualified professional. A wrong identification can lead to the wrong treatment.

Reference: University of Maryland household identification key.