Insect Identification Services
Cockroach - Blatta orientalis
The Department of Entomology offers a worldwide identification and advisory service on insects and other terrestrial arthropods, such as spiders, scorpions, millipedes, mites and ticks. Our large team of expert and specialist staff can supply authoritative information on a wide range of subjects. This is provided on a commercial basis (see rates of charges below) although, as part of the Natural History Museum's educational function, we try to deal with simple enquiries from members of the public in the United Kingdom free of charge.
Identifications will normally be accompanied by a synopsis of biological and distributional information, and pest status. In many cases we are able to provide more detailed information on request. For example, we can undertake literature searches, provide copies of relevant literature and assemble summaries of what is known of the biology and distribution of species. A top priority identification service is available, at extra cost, which includes telephoning or faxing the results.
The Department also undertakes other advisory and consultancy work and commissioned research projects in many fields of entomology. If you feel that there is some way in which we can help you, please contact us for an informal discussion before committing yourself or your organisation.
Alternatively, the Museum has just launched its first forum for the publich where you can upload a photo of an insect or spider for the Museum's experts to identify. It's also the place to share your thoughts about all things bug-related.
Charges
Charge for an identification (per species) or other routine enquiry:
Minimum charge for the identification, or other enquiry, of a species of UK origin. £88.00 plus VAT at 17.5%
Minimum charge for the identification, or other enquiry, of a species of non-UK origin. £104.00 plus VAT at 17.5%
Priority identification
By arrangement a priority identification service is available, providing our telephoned or faxed reply within 48 hours of receipt of your sample.
Minimum priority charge for the identification, or other enquiry, of a species of UK origin. £180.00 plus VAT at 17.5%
Minimum priority charge for the identification, or other enquiry, of a species of non UK origin. £220.00 plus VAT at 17.5%
If a lengthy investigation is necessary to establish an identification, as may be the case when a species belongs to a poorly-known group, a higher charge will apply and an estimate will be given before the work is started.
Special rates may be negotiable for large numbers of identifications and in certain cases where the Museum may derive approved reciprocal benefit from work undertaken.
Return of Specimens
An additional charge of £20-30.00 will be made to cover postage and packing costs of the return of specimens outside of the UK.
Sample information sheets on insects and arachnids
- Insect Identification sample sheet - Aphid hyperparasites - Alloxysta & Phaenoglyphis
- Insect Identification sample sheet - The Codling Moth - Cydia pomonella
- Insect Identification sample sheet - Mason bees
- Insect Identification sample sheet - Mealworm beetle
- Insect Identification sample sheet - Tarantulas
Contact points
All enquiries should be addressed to:
The Enquiries Manager
Insect Information Services
Department of Entomology
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London, SW7 5BD
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7942 5726
The contact form does not accept attachments. If you need to send an image, we will contact you.