Identification Technology Program: Facilitating the development and communication of diagnostic resources for the detection of pestiferous insects

The Identification Technology Program (ITP) managed by the USDA-APHIS-PPQ-S&T Pest Identification and Technology Lab comprises three project areas: (1) IDtools: detailed websites with identification resources and taxonomic tools focused on specific taxonomic groups; (2) IDaids: a heavily curated searchable database of taxonomic literature, websites, job aids, and other resources useful to diagnosticians and identifiers; (3) imageID and Bugwood ITP node: databases of images, including images of intercepted specimens contributed by Area Identifiers, and high-resolution images of expertly identified museum specimens. The growth and success of all three components heavily rely on input and partnerships with taxonomic experts. In this talk, we will discuss past collaborations between ITP and the Systematic Entomology Lab, as well as future avenues for collaborations to further the development and communication of diagnostic and identification resources.