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The Louisiana State Arthropod Museum (LSAM) and Department of Entomology provide insect diagnostic services to Louisiana residents, stakeholders, and the research community.
Louisiana residents are invited to submit images to our online portal for general identification requests. Physical specimens can be submitted for diagnostic services or screening by our professionals. See the submissions page for instructions. Contact InsectIdentifications@agcenter.lsu.edu for consultation or any questions.
Starting July 1st, 2026, the recommended donation for diagnostic services are as follows*
| Service | In State | Out-of-State** |
| Online image submission | $5 | $10 |
| Taxonomic diagnosis (routine ID) | $20 | $40 |
| PCR screening (genetic ID) | $100 | $150 |
| Bulk sample screening | $25/hr | $45/hr |
*Donations are paid to the LSU Foundation Louisiana State Arthropod Museum Fund.
**Do not ship live specimens across state lines.
We need your support!!
The availability of our expertise depends on the dedicated staff, students, and volunteers who manage our operations. Your donations help maintain a permanent record of Louisiana’s natural heritage and make our resources available to Louisiana residents and researchers.
Louisiana State Arthropod Museum Fund
Community outreach. Education and outreach are important to the Department of Entomology. We are limited in the number of events in which we can participate. However, interested parties may reach out to InsectIdentifications@agcenter.lsu.edu for inquiries.
Research support. If you are part of the LSU or broader entomological research community, LSAM is here to work with you in pursuit of your efforts. Contact LSAM director, Dr. Stephen Baca (sbaca@agcenter.lsu.edu) or LSAM curator, Victoria Bayless (vbayless@agcenter.lsu.edu) to schedule a visit or consultation. Arrangements can be made for extended access for out-of-state visiting researchers. We are a research institution and not open to the general public.
The Louisiana State Arthropod Museum is located in room 575 of the Life Sciences Building on the Louisiana State University Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; on South Campus Drive across from the Student Union. Our primary holdings include:
We also maintain a collection of ethanol-preserved specimens. Our holdings include a wealth of international material, but the majority comprises representation from Louisiana and the surrounding region. We offer visiting researchers benchtop space, microscopes, and access to a taxonomic library. Imaging system use may also be requested.
Visitor parking on campus is limited but during work hours. There is bus transportation from parking lots to the Student Union, directly across the street from the Life Sciences Building. Limited pay meters and visitor parking may be available. Schedules and other information can be found here: Tiger Trails Transit | Parking and Transportation (lsu.edu)
