ID it!

How can you identify a species?

Here are a few ways to try to identify species you have found during your BioBlitz activities.

Use your eyes:

• Notice where the organism was found, and under what conditions. Surroundings can help establish diet, which can aid an identification.

• Notice all you can about the organism’s appearance.

• Measure the organism’s dimensions, either with a measuring device or by comparing it to something close by that can be measured, such as a leaf or shell or coin.

Use a dichotomous key:

Insects

Key to the Identification of Insects to Order, Harold Ordroyd:

Key to the Main Orders of Insects, David Kendall:

Trees
Learning, Experiences, and Activities in Forestry (LEAF)

Environmental Education for Kids! (EEK!) Tree Key

Mollusks

Project Oceanica Shell Guide

Marine Species (General)

Marine Species Identification Portal

Use a guidebook, online “zoo”, or web identification guide

Use species pages from the Encyclopedia of Life

Use guide websites:

Mushrooms: Mushroom Observer

Fish: Fishbase

Amphibians: AmphibiaWeb

Animals: Animal Diversity Web

Birds: All About Birds, Cornell University

Consult an expert:

Find an expert at a university, agricultural extension, 4-H club, zoo, aquarium, or other experts. A pest control company can help with bug I.D. Contact the organization for information on how to get help with an identification.