While many people think of museum collections only informing fundamental or basic research our collection is also an invaluable resource for applied research. In fact embedded within the Cornell University Insect Collection is the Insect Diagnostic Lab (IDL), which is responsible for the identification of arthropods. These samples are submitted by the general public, concerned farmers and growers, and even through collaborations with state and federal agencies.
By being able to compare any specimens that are submitted to the IDL to expertly identified specimens in the CUIC helps ensure that our identifications are accurate and also allows us to determine when pests are found in new locations. Two of the larger identification projects that the IDL is currently engaged in is monitoring for European Cherry Fruit Fly and Boxtree Moth, both invasive species that have recently showed up in the Niagara region of New York. As you can see in the photos the IDL team processes thousands of yellow sticky traps each year. This helps federal and state agencies to know if these pests are expanding their range in NY or shifting onto new host plants.
We were even able to create a video to explain about the work being done in the IDL. So the next time you bite into your favorite fruit or vegetable remember that the CUIC and IDL may have been involved to make sure you can enjoy your favorite foods.
