Identification Resources (Insects, Marine, and Fish)
The following are a list of resources to assist in accurate identification of some species (Insects, Marine, and Fish) considered to be invasive in Maine. The list is not comprehensive but experts are available to assist by following the links or via contact numbers listed below.
For additional identification resources, view the Terrestrial and Aquatic Plants identification page and if you would like to consult with a specific MISN member, please check the Member List for contact details.
| Common Name | Species Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| European Fire Ant | Myrmica rubra | UMaine Extension |
| Gypsy Moth | Lymantria dispar | UMaine Extension |
| Spotted Wing Drosophilia | Drosophilia suzukii | UMaine Extension |
| Forest Pests including Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorn Beetle, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, Elongate Hemlock Scale, Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle, Winter Moth, European Wood Wasp | Agrilus planipennis, Anoplophora glabripennis, Adelges tsugae, Fiorinia externa, Tetropium fuscum, Operophtera brumata, and Sirex noctilio | Maine Forest Service |
The Maine Forest Service wants to know about any of the species of forest pests listed above. Contact them at 207.287.2431 or 1.800.367.0223 (in Maine).
Not sure what you have? Visit UMaine Cooperative Extension’s Home and Garden IPM pest ID page or the Insect and Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.
| Common Name | Species Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Shore Crab | Hemigrapsus sanguineus | Maine Department of Marine Resources |
| Dead Man’s Fingers | Codium fragile | GMRI — Vital Signs |
| Lacy Crust Bryozoan | Membranipora membranacea | GMRI — Vital Signs |
| Green Crab | Carcinus maenas | Maine Department of Marine Resources |
| Hairy-clawed Shore Crab | Hemigrapsus penicillatus | GMRI — Vital Signs |
| Chinese Mitten Crab | Eriocheir sinensis | Maine Department of Marine Resources |
| Common Periwinkle | Littorina littorea | GMRI — Vital Signs |
| Rapa whelk | Rapana venosa | GMRI — Vital Signs |
If you see Asian Shore Crab, contact Peter Thayer (Maine Department of Marine Resources) via email at pete.thayer@maine.gov with the date, location, and number of crabs you have seen
| Common Name | Species Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Pike | Esox lucius | Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries |
The illegal introduction of any fish into any Maine water is a Class E crime, punishable by fines. If you know of an illegal introduction, protect Maine’s fisheries and call Operation Game Thief at 1.800.253.7887 or visit the MDIFW website for more information. A list of “unrestricted” fish and wildlife species (PDF) are listed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for possession and sale.
Also see our Terrestrial and Aquatic Plants identification page.