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Program Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

Empowering Insect Science, Management and Conservation Through Emerging Technologies

The evolution of classification: AI in the study of bark and ambrosia beetles

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
9:35 AM – 9:55 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 124 AB, PCC
Oral Presentation
Bark and ambrosia beetles are significant pests and invasive species, as well as a fascinating biological study system. Effective monitoring of these beetles is crucial to prevent their spread and mitigate their impact. Traditional methods of classifying specimens are time-consuming and labor-intensive. We developed an advanced AI classifier capable of accurately identifying over 70 beetle species, streamlining the monitoring process from days to seconds. We describe how cutting-edge AI tools and techniques, including pre-trained large language and image models, self-supervised learning, transfer learning, and virtual outlier simulation allow us to extract more information from our data. This in turn enhances the accuracy and efficiency of species identification. Additionally, we explore the broader applications of our findings in entomology. One significant benefit is the use of data that would have been previously discarded. Our case study provides valuable insights into how entomologists can thrive in an AI-driven world.