Definition:

Identification: The process of assigning the correct species name to an organism. Unless a specimen is identified correctly, then information that has been published about the species to which it belongs is unavailable. Until a specimen is identified correctly, then new information learned about it cannot be (or at least, should not be, because it will cause great problems) added to the literature. Correct identification therefore is of great importance. The basic means to identification is provided by taxonomy. This tutorial uses publications on mole cricket taxonomy to provide brief characterizations to help you make correct identifications of adult mole crickets now occuring in the continental USA, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Do not expect to be able to use the characterizations to help you identify mole crickets from outside the area specified because you are likely to encounter species which are not dealt with here; you may even encounter undescribed species. See also incorrect identification.