Insect Identification

Insect Identification

The Master Gardeners are happy to help with insect identification. In order for us to do so, please provide information about where the insect(s) were found, specifics about the size, and close-up photos, showing front/back/top/bottom views.

However, sometimes there's no substitute for examining a specimen directly. In such cases we recommend contacting the Santa Clara County Division of Agriculture. Their staff biologists are available to help to identify insects and pests. In addition to telephone and email contact options, they have daily office hours (but request that you contact their office prior to bringing any samples for identification.)
    • Related Articles

    • Plant Identification

      if you're interested in trying to identify a plant yourself, our favorite tools are: iNaturalist: it's available on the web and in an app. It's a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. The tool ...
    • Tomato Leaf Curl

      The North Carolina Cooperative Extension has an article titled Curling Tomato Leaves? Here’s What to Know! that covers common causes of tomato leaf curl. It includes a discussion of curl-related factors including: environmental, variety, insect ...
    • When to apply fertilizer?

      The practice of automatically adding fertilizer in the spring is no longer considered a best practice. Excess fertilizing can cause excessive growth resulting in higher water needs, and might well contribute to softer growth which can make plants ...
    • Citrus Leafminer

      Unsightly leaves at the tips of new citrus branches are often caused by citrus leafminers. They originate from a tiny moth that lays eggs only on new citrus tree growth. Its larva then tunnels around inside the leaf, eating between the top and bottom ...
    • Citrus Tree Problems

      If you have problems with a citrus tree—including orange, lemon, lime—UC has resources that may help: Citrus Diseases and Disorders of Leaves and Twigs covers a range of problems including branch dieback, sooty mold, yellow leaves, and more. This ...