Marking Techniques for Recognizing Individual Insects

Abstract

attractive as research subjects, but getting to know individuals is often difficult. Their small size, short lives, and great mobility complicate the task of the field observer. It is not surprising that lizards, ground squirrels, and hyenas are better known as individuals under field conditions than are their insect counterparts. Southwood (1966, 1978) extensively reviewed the literature of insect marking methods, including those suited to identifying individuals. We will build on his contribution by listing and discussing techniques that are broadly applicable and by outlining the principles important in developing a marking method or in deciding which existing method to adopt.