Parent Organization: USDA Agricultural Research Service

The Systematic Entomology Laboratory conducts research to: 1) develop comprehensive classifications, hypotheses of relationships, and identification tools for insects and mites on a world basis in support of U.S. agriculture and natural resources; 2) provide identifications and associated taxonomic services to Federal, state, and private organizations involved in research and action programs; 3) develop and maintain, in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. National Collection of Insects and Mites, a vital resource for insect and mite research and identification services; and 4) develop digital and molecular identification tools and databases of taxonomic and biological information.