Agents and method for identifying insects

A method of identifying one or more species or subspecies of insect by determining the reactivity of the monoclonal antibody mAb 70.5 to a target lipophorin protein present in both eggs and larvae, or in all life stages, of at least one species or subspecies of insect, but substantially not present in at least one other species or subspecies of insect, said method comprising contacting a sample of insect material with an effective amount of said mAb 70.5 antibody which specifically binds to said target lipophorin protein of one or more species or subspecies of insect for a time and under conditions sufficient for a complex to form between said mAb 70.5 antibody and said target lipophorin protein, and then detecting said complex.

A kit for distinguishing between or identifying one or more species or subspecies of insect from at least one other species or subspecies of insect, said kit comprising in compartmentalized form a first compartment adapted to receive a mAb 70.5 monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to the target lipophorin protein present in both eggs and larvae, or in all life stages, of at least one species or subspecies of insect but not present in at least one other species or subspecies of insect, at least one other compartment adapted to contain a detector means and a support onto which a sample of insect material can be placed.