This comprehensive guide is designed to enhance the proficiency of students and professionals in utilizing dichotomous keys effectively. Practical activities provided offer hands-on experiences aimed at refining students' abilities to recognize key anatomical features such as wing structure, antennae shape, and leg arrangement. By engaging directly with detailed descriptions and illustrations, students will develop a structured approach to insect identification, with a specific focus on the taxonomic characteristics of the Order Orthoptera and its subdivisions into suborders and families.

Furthermore, the manual emphasizes the practical implications of accurate insect identification. It underscores the importance of distinguishing between beneficial and harmful insect species to implement effective integrated pest management strategies in agriculture. We aim for this manual to serve as a comprehensive guide aimed at helping students excel in insect identification through practical, hands-on activities.

Dr. Bikash Subba is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the School of Agricultural Science, GD Goenka University. His academic journey includes previous roles as a lecturer at Sikkim University and ITM University. Dr. Subba's expertise spans several critical areas within entomology, including Biological Control of Pests and Diseases, Insect Ecology, Insect Taxonomy, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Protection Entomology, and Pollination, with a particular focus on insect pollinators. Dr. Subba is a distinguished entomologist with a strong academic foundation. Having earned his MSc and PhD in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya in 2013 and 2019, respectively, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. His research prowess is evident in his publication of 15 research papers in esteemed journals and his contributions to two book chapters. Moreover, Dr. Subba's active participation in national and international conferences underscores his dedication to sharing his findings and engaging with the broader scientific community. Beyond his scholarly contributions, Dr. Subba is deeply committed to translating his research into tangible benefits for society. His dedication to practical applications is exemplified by his numerous workshops aimed at equipping farmers with organic farming techniques. By bridging the gap between academia and agriculture, Dr. Subba demonstrates a remarkable ability to foster sustainable practices and empower rural communities. His work underscores the importance of a holistic approach to entomology, one that seamlessly integrates rigorous research with real-world applications.

Dr. Biwash Gurung is currently working as an Assistant Professor in School of Agricultural Sciences (ICAR Accredited) G.D Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana. He has obtained his Ph.D Degree in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, (North Bengal Agricultural University), West Bengal with prestigious University Research Scholarship (URS) sponsored by Government of West Bengal in the year 2017 for the period of 4 years. He has qualified ICAR -NET 2018. He holds one year eight months of teaching experience at ITM University, Gwalior, before joining G.D Goenka University. He has published more than 18 research paper, 2 short communications, 2 Book chapters, 6 popular articles, 1 paper at Book of proceedings and 1practical manual book. Dr. Gurung has reported “New prey record of giant ladybird beetle Anisolemnia dilatata (Fabricius) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera feeding on Som plant Aphid Aiceona sp”. Dr. Gurung has delivered Plenary lecture at 11 th International Conference on Technology, Innovation, and Management for Sustainable Development (TIMS- 2023). He has also attended workshops, conferences and symposium at National and International level.

1. Insect Identification Using Taxonomic Keys
2. Insect Classification Based on Wing Structure
3. Taxonomic Characteristics of the Order Orthoptera and Its Classification
4. Taxonomic Characteristics of the Order Isoptera and Its Classification
5. Taxonomic Characteristics of the Order Thysanoptera and the Family Thripidae
6. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Neuroptera and its Family Chrysopidae
7. Taxonomic Characteristics and Classification of Order Coleoptera and Agriculturally Important Families
8. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Hymenoptera and Agriculturally Important Families
9. Comparative Characteristics of Symphyta and Apocrita
10. Taxonomic Characteristics of the Order Lepidoptera and Agriculturally Important Families
11. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Diptera and Agriculturally Important Families
12. Comparative taxonomic Characteristics of Heteroptera and Homoptera
13. Comparative Taxonomic Characteristics of Beetles and Weevils
14. Comparative Taxonomic Characteristics of Butterflies and Moths
15. Comparative Taxonomic Characteristics of Megaloptera and Planipennia
16. Taxonomic Characteristics of Terebrantia and Tubilifera and Agriculturally Important Families
17. Taxonomic Characteristics of Nematocera and Brachycera Insects
18. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Mantophasmatodea and its Families
19. Identifying Locust and Grasshopper Based on Morphometric and Behavioral Characteristics
20. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Dictyoptera
21. Taxonomic Characteristics of Family Mantidae
22. Taxonomic Characteristics of Family Blattidae
23. Taxonomic Characteristics of Family Pentatomidae
24. Taxonomic Characteristics of Family Cicadellidae
25. Taxonomic Characteristics of Family Aphididae
26. Taxonomic Characteristics of Family Aleurodidae
27. Taxonomic Characteristics of Pscocptera and Malophaga
28. Comparative Taxonomic Characteristics of Orthopteroid and Hemipteroid
29. Habit, habitat and taxonomic Characteristics of Dermaptera
30. Habit, Habitat and taxonomic characteristics of order Embioptera
31. Taxonomic Characteristics of Arctiidae and Acrididae
32. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Strepsiptera and Mecoptera
33. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Strepsiptera and Mecoptera
34. Taxonomic Characteristics of Order Siphonptera and Trichoptera
35. Identify Agriculturally Important Insects Order with Some Identical Characters