What needs to be clarified
Determine whether the submitted objects have insect larval anatomy, describe surviving features and establish the taxonomic level supported by each specimen's condition.
Materials to prepare
- Grain residue from a marked location in sealed packaging
- Separately preserved objects without adhesive mounting
- Scaled photographs of the discovery site and sampling map
What to compare
Separate objects under a stereomicroscope and document segmentation, head capsule, appendages and damaged integument. Compare several specimens with relevant identification features, describing seed coats and fibres separately. Record characters that cannot be checked rather than assigning species from colour or size.
Possible outcome of the analysis
An illustrated inventory may explain the objects' biological nature and supported identification level, while identifying specimens that remain unresolved after examination.
Limits of the conclusions
A larva in submitted residue does not establish infestation timing, introduction source or conditions throughout the warehouse. Damaged specimens may support only a group-level identification.