Imagine you're a detective on the front lines, solving nature's mysteries to protect our food and forests. Sounds exciting, right? That’s exactly what the experts at National Identification Services do in the Remote Pest Identification Program. This cutting-edge initiative is like CSI for bugs. Pictured this month is Grammia virgo (Linnaeus), commonly known as the virgin tiger moth. USDA APHIS entomologist Tobias Glik captured this specimen in July 2017. This moth is special because it was first identified by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Linnaeus is considered the "father of modern taxonomy." That makes him among the first detectives to start hunting for clues and solving the mystery of our ecosystems! In our increasingly globalized world, the movement of goods and people across borders can bring with it the unintentional transport of pests that threaten agriculture and ecosystems. The Remote Pest Identification Program was established to help us identify invasive pests at our borders. This innovative program aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pest identification, which protects American agriculture and natural resources from invasive pests. The APHIS Remote Pest Identification Program uses modern technology to identify pests swiftly and accurately. Historically, pest identification required physical samples to be sent to specialists, a process that could be time-consuming and delay critical responses. The remote program, however, uses digital imaging. Inspectors in the field can now take high-resolution images of suspicious pests and send them to APHIS national identifiers electronically for a rapid ID. The program also increases collaboration among pest experts. Digital records of identified pests can be stored and used for future reference, contributing to a comprehensive database of pest information. This database helps identify trends in pest interceptions and supports future research aimed at improving pest control strategies. By harnessing technology, the APHIS Remote Pest Identification Program enhances the ability to protect the nation's agriculture and natural resources from the threats posed by invasive pests. If this sounds like a rewarding career to you, consider exploring career opportunities at APHIS. Whether you’re a budding entomologist, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about protecting our natural resources, APHIS offers a wide range of career paths. You can become a part of this innovative, scientific organization and play a pivotal role in protecting our environment and food supply. Learn more about APHIS career fields: https://lnkd.in/gDVaimV7.
No Grammia virgo were killed on-site during filming. Several Culicidae were decimated by Odonates and human palms alike. #⚡ Domain:EukaryotaKingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ArthropodaClass:InsectaOrder:DipteraSuperfamily:Culicoidea
Great opportunity!
Regulatory Affairs Analyst
1wRequest for further studies by the Remote Pest Identification Program. I found a moth but I am unsure about it classification. It wouldn't "land" for a longer period of time for ID.