Use this dichotomous key for insect identification to identify the insect shown.

1. a. insect has one pair of wings. order diptera
b. insect has two pairs of wings. go to #2.

2. a. insect has an extremely long neck. go to #3.
b. insect has a regular length or no neck. go to #4.

3. a. forelegs come together in a “praying” position. order mantodea
b. forelegs do not come together in a “praying” position. order raphidoptera

4. a. wings in front are armor-like over hind wings. order coleoptera
b. wings are not armor-like. go to #5.

5. a. wings twist when the insect is in flight. order strepsiptera
b. wings flap up and down (no twisting) when the insect is in flight. go to #6.

the insect pictured is in the order
strepsiptera.
mantodea.
raphidoptera.
coleoptera.