Introduction to the Identification of Insects and Related Arthropods

P. M. Choate, modified and updated October 2011 The following documents have been used as reference materials for an insect classification course offered at the University of Florida. They emphasize Florida fauna and usually include the most commonly encountered families. If you use these keys please note they may not always work for your area, BUT with this advisory note please feel free to use as needed. I will add more keys to this page in the future so please check for updates.

These documents may contain columns, dot leaders in keys, and numerous figures. Due to the complex nature of these files I have formatted them as .pdf files which you may view and print IF you have the ability (requires Acrobat Reader) to view and print Adobe PDF files.

I include here a link to Adobe's www site from which you may download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download a free Acrobat reader from Adobe's download site.

The first file listed here contains a compilation of terms that you may encounter while learning to identify insects. I have indicated which term applies to which groups of insects along with a description of the term.

Composite glossary of entomological terms encountered in literature and identification keys

There is much disagreement when it comes to naming insect orders, the number, and acceptable names. I list here the most commonly used names, but hasten to mention that there are several other lists you may encounter.

Classification listing of insect Orders (HTML format), (pdf format) common names, types of mouthparts and wings
Adult Insect Identification Keys
The following identification keys and references are intended to help you identify adult insects with emphasis on the Florida fauna. Many of the identification keys have been produced by graduate students enrolled in Insect Classification, ENY 6166. In those cases the keys are literature-based only, so please use them with the knowledge that you may collect species not included here.

Key to the Classes of Arthropods and Insect Orders.(updated to reflect recent classification changes)
Key to the Water Beetles of Florida
Key to some of the families of Beetles (Coleoptera) found in Florida.

Key to species of Florida tiger beetles, 1.4Mb, many color images
Key to tribes and genera of Florida Carabidae (Coleoptera)
Florida species of Pasimachus (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Florida Wrinkled Bark Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Rhysodini)
Florida Metallic wood-boring beetles, genus Chalcophora Dejean (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Key to the species of Florida Odonata
Key to Hymenoptera suborders and some families
Key to Florida Mantodea species (revised 2009)
Key to Florida Blattodea (cockroaches)
Key to Florida Orthoptera families

Additional references for Orthoptera identification
Grasshoppers of Florida
Pygmy Grasshoppers - Tetrigidae
Online link to theIdentification of singing insects (Crickets, Katydids, and Cicadas )

Earwigs online - web site devoted to Earwigs
Key to species of Florida Dermaptera (earwigs))
Neuroptera - Bittacidae of Illinos
Neuroptera (Owlflies) - Ascalaphidae
Checklist and bibliography of Florida Megaloptera and Neuroptera. http://www.fsca-dpi.org/Neuoptera/Neuroptera_of_Florida.htm
Guide to the Megaloptera and Aquatic Neuroptera of Florida
Separating Megaloptera from other "Neuroptera" - now considered Neuroptera
Key to Florida Aquatic and Semi-aquatic Heteroptera
Guide to the Stoneflies of Florida
Chironomidae and Water Beetles of Florida web site

Florida Hemiptera - Recognizing suborders; keys to some families of s.o. Auchenorrhyncha and s.o. Sternorrhyncha)
Key to some families of adult Heteroptera

Additional Heteroptera references

Florida Belostomatidae (Giant water bugs)
Key to Florida adult Nepidae
Key to Florida adult Reduviidae
Key to Florida adult Thyreocoridae
Key to Florida adult Cydnidae
Key to Florida adult Gelastocoridae
Key to Florida adult Rhopalidae
Key to Florida adult Tingidae
Key to Florida adult Aradidae
Key to Florida adult Phymatidae (Ambush bugs)

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