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Requests for entomological information

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Zygoptera
Photo: André Sarrazin
Zygoptera

The entomological information service is free and aims to:

  • Help you appreciate our entomological fauna.
  • Suggest tips or behaviors to adopt for living in harmony with insects.

We will respond to your requests as quickly as possible. However, response times may vary, and we do not offer emergency services. 

This service does not offer the following:

  • Expertise for legal purposes.
  • Identification of ants, including carpenter ants. We do not confirm the genus or species of these insects. For any issues related to ants, regardless of species, please consult our dedicated content.
  • Identification of ticks; please visit etick.ca.
  • Telephone or in-home consultations.
  • The sale, loan, or donation of specimens from the Insectarium's collections.
  • Identification or scientific and monetary appraisal of personal collections (specimens or photographs).
  • Assistance with school projects. Students can find a wealth of information in the Insects and other arthropods section.

If you suspect the presence of an insect, spider, or other arthropod in fruits or other foods, you should contact:

For the Montréal region

Food Inspection Division, Ville de Montréal: 514 280-4300.

Elsewhere in Québec

Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) (in French): 1 800 463-5023

Online request

If you have a general question about entomology:

Ask a question

If you would like to identify an insect or another arthropod by sending us a photograph:

Fill out a specimen identification form

Submitting a specimen

When a photograph does not allow for the identification of an insect or other arthropod, please follow the procedure to send us the specimen: How to send us a specimen.

Avoid capturing live specimens

When removed from their natural habitat, most insects die shortly after capture. When you find a live insect, we suggest leaving it in its habitat, where it will continue its life cycle, help maintain its species’ population and play an essential ecological role.

Identifying insects isn't always easy!

Insectarium staff always do their best to respond to your requests. However, species or family identification may not be possible because:

  • The specimen is not in good enough condition.
  • The photograph does not show key characteristics.
  • We do not have access to the identification tools needed for the specimen (reference books, identification keys, etc.).

We reserve the right to decline requests deemed unreasonable.