Group: Bees, Bzzz, Bees !

I wanted to let you know about an awesome free service that's available to help identify unknown species of insects, arachnids or other tiny creatures. If you're not aware, BugGuide, which is a hugely popular "critter" site, has an I.D. Request section where you upload a picture including any information you know about the subject, and within a day -- often within 15 MINUTES -- there will be an answer posted in the comments! You can attach multiple pictures after uploading the main image if you would like.

I have used this feature several times now and I've gotten a positive ID each time. In fact, it's quite obvious that there are many rabid entomology experts out there who wait expectantly for the next "challenge" to be posted. They can't wait for the next entry to their educational game! :)

The only thing you need to do is sign up. It's free and you won't get annoying emails.

bugguide.net/node/view/6/bgimage

By the way, if you need help with bird identification, I discovered BirdForum a couple of years ago, and they have the very same sort of ID request section. They are a huge site, and like BugGuide, ravenous bird experts wait with great anticipation for the next unidentified bird species to be uploaded so they can play, "who can ID this bird fastest"! This is another free site, just join up and you can post your picture for an ID! :)

www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=114