Abstract: An apparatus and system for generating digital images of specimens and identifying the species of an invertebrate, such as a mosquito, are disclosed. The apparatus includes an imaging device capable of capturing images, light sources to illuminate the optical field of view of the imaging device, a housing enclosing the imaging device and the light source, and an opening in the housing where a specimen tray can be inserted. The specimen tray can include a lid and multiple wells separated by transparent walls, each well capable of holding a specimen. The wells are fully enclosed when the lid is placed on the tray and the tray includes markings on both sides indicating the tray orientation, as the tray is transparent on the lid and base of the tray to enable imaging from two sides of the tray. The housing and tray also includes detents and indents for locking the tray into the correct placement when inserted into the slot.