I think i found a new spieces of insect. Where do i report this to? Like where can i tell a scientist about it

Question

so ya if found this weird bug and i think it's a new speices i need a place to notify about this so i really would like some help here! Oh ya and if possible try to get a place in illinois and if possible try to get it in the area code 60134 or as close as possible. Thanks again for those who have a very helpful answer!

Answer 1

Richard Fagerlund is a great bug identifier.  You can send him the bug (instructions how are on his website) and he can tell you what it is:

http://www.askthebugman.com/

Answer 2

First of all, make sure it's a new bug, and not just a known weird bug.  Here's a good website - make sure you check your new bug against all the pictures.  http://www.whatsthatbug.com  Start with the potato bug; that one's so weird that many people can't believe they haven't heard of it before.  If it's not on there, try sending them a picture to see if they can identify it.

If you can't find it there, there are a few good colleges in Illinois with entomology (bug) departments.  Take a few good pictures, with something near your bug to indicate scale (like a ruler), and send them to someone in the entomology department.  They might be willing to help you identify it, or find out if it's a new bug.