Wondering if there are apps to identify bugs and insects?
No more flipping through heavy field guides or frantic Google searches.
We have tested the most popular bug and insect identification apps for you, unveiling their benefits and equipping you with the knowledge to choose the perfect winged companion for your outdoor explorations.
So, whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious wanderer, join us as we demystify the world of bugs and insects through the lens of technology.
Benefits of Insect Identification Apps
- Accurate Identification – Thanks to advanced AI technology and access to a large database, these apps provide quick and precise bug and insect identifications.
- Educational Value – Transform your nature outings into immersive learning experiences. Bug identification apps offer detailed information about each species, empowering you with knowledge about their behaviors, habitats, and ecological importance.
- Convenience on the Go – With a vast insect encyclopedia in your pocket, you’re always ready to explore. No need to carry heavy field guides.
- Community Engagement – Many apps encourage community involvement by allowing users to share their insect sightings.
- Environmental Awareness – By gaining a deeper understanding of insect diversity and their roles in ecosystems, you can become a champion for insect conservation.
- Pest control – Bug identification apps can help you distinguish between harmful pests and beneficial insects.
Best Apps to Identify Bugs & Insects
1. Picture Insect: Bug Identifier
EcoCation® Test Score:
9.0 / 10
How it works:
Picture Insect takes a distinctive approach to bug identification. Instead of relying solely on photographs, this app combines image recognition with audio recognition. When you encounter an insect, simply snap a picture and record its sounds (if any). Picture Insect’s sophisticated algorithms analyze both the visual and auditory cues to provide you with an accurate identification. It’s like having a personal insect detective in your pocket, utilizing multiple senses to solve the mystery.
Update: As of May 2024, Picture Insect has deployed a new image recognition model to their application, which enables the app to recognize insects, even if they are hardly visible on the photo. This is also the reason why it was moved from the second place to the first place, being elected the best free insect identification app currently available on the market.
Supported platforms:
Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
Pricing:
Free! This app is free to install and use. However, there is areseveral premium versions available starting at $3 per month.
Pros
- Unique approach combining visual and audio recognition for enhanced accuracy.
- User-friendly interface designed for intuitive navigation.
- In-depth information on identified species, including behavior and habitat.
- Regular updates to improve performance and expand the database.
- Multilingual support for users worldwide.
Cons
- Initial database download may require a stable internet connection.
- Limited to insect identification and may not cover all species.
- Occasional difficulty identifying insects in noisy environments.
- While free to download, access to premium features may come at a cost.
- Storage-intensive due to the need for audio recording and extensive image database.
2. Bug ID: Insect Identifier AI
EcoCation® Test Score:
9.2 / 10
How it works:
Bug ID is your entomological sidekick, employing cutting-edge image recognition technology. Simply snap a photo of the insect in question, and Bug ID’s AI-driven algorithms will work their magic. Within seconds, you’ll receive a species identification, complete with informative details about your newfound insect friend. Whether you’re in your garden, on a hiking trail, or exploring an exotic destination, Bug ID is there to satisfy your curiosity, even when off-grid.
Even though this app is available only in the Apple App Store, it still deserves a high rating in our opinion. Its features speak for itself!
Supported platforms:
Only available on iOS (App Store).
Pricing:
Free! This app is free to install and use. However, there is areseveral premium versions available starting at $8 per month.
Pros
- Lightning-fast identification.
- Extensive database covering a broad range of insect species.
- User-friendly interface suitable for all ages and experience levels.
- Regular updates to enhance accuracy and add new features.
- Offline functionality.
Cons
- Limited to insect identification (not suitable for plant or bird identification).
- Occasional misidentification, especially with obscure or rare species.
- Some advanced features require a premium subscription.
- Consumes a moderate amount of storage space due to the extensive image database.
3. Seek by iNaturalist
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.8 / 10
How it works:
Seek by iNaturalist combines the thrill of exploration with the power of community-driven science. This app encourages you to discover nature by identifying plants, animals, and insects in your surroundings. To use it, simply point your smartphone’s camera at the bug or insect you wish to identify, and Seek’s smart image recognition technology goes to work. Within moments, it not only tells you the species but also provides fascinating details about its biology and distribution. However, Seek is more than just another identification tool; it’s an invitation to become a citizen scientist, contributing valuable data to global biodiversity research.
Supported platforms:
Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
Pricing:
Free! Being part of iNaturalist, which is an NGO focused on nature conservation, this app is free to install and use.
Pros
- Seamlessly combines identification and education, making learning about insects a breeze.
- Empowers users to contribute to real scientific research through data collection.
- Provides an engaging experience for families, making it an excellent educational tool.
- Offers community engagement by connecting with iNaturalist’s vast network of naturalists.
- Regular updates and improvements based on user feedback.
Cons
- Requires an internet connection for species identification and data uploading.
- Occasionally, identification may not be as precise with less common or region-specific insects.
- Focused on multiple types of organisms, which may require more storage space.
- While the app is free to use, it encourages donations for continued development.
- Some features may be more useful for advanced users rather than beginners.
4. Insect ID: Bug Identifier
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.3 / 10
How it works:
Insect ID takes a straightforward yet effective approach to insect identification. Just point your phone camera at an insect and let the educating begin with the bug identifier.
However, this user-friendly app also employs a step-by-step identification process in case you don’t have a photo of your target. Start by selecting the insect’s basic characteristics, such as its color, size, and habitat. Insect ID then narrows down the possibilities based on your input and presents you with a list of potential matches. Once you’ve honed in on the closest match, the app provides you with detailed information about the identified insect, including its habits, range, and intriguing facts.
Supported platforms:
Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
Pricing:
Free! This app is free to install and use. However, there is a premium version available for $26 per year.
Pros
- Streamlines the identification process with a user-friendly interface.
- Suitable for users of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned entomologists.
- Offers information on a wide range of insect species, promoting learning and appreciation.
- Can be used offline, making it handy for remote nature explorations.
- Regular updates to improve accuracy and expand the database.
Cons
- Limited to insect identification and may not cover extremely rare species.
- Offline functionality is limited to previously downloaded data.
- Users may need to answer several questions before receiving a precise identification.
- While the app is free to use, it may contain ads or offer in-app purchases.
- May require occasional manual updates for the best experience.
5. Smart Identifier: Plant+Insect
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.6 / 10
How it works:
Smart Identifier stands out from the other apps, as it introduces a unique twist to insect & bug identification by combining cutting-edge image recognition technology with an interactive quiz-style interface.
When you encounter an insect you’d like to identify, take a clear photo of it. Smart Identifier then guides you through a series of questions about the insect’s physical features, behavior, and habitat. With each answer you provide, the app narrows down the possibilities until it presents you with a precise identification.
Supported platforms:
Only available on iOS (App Store).
Pricing:
Free! This app is free to install and use. However, there is a premium version available for $30 per year.
Pros
- Interactive and engaging identification process suitable for learners of all ages.
- Provides a valuable educational experience by teaching users about insect characteristics.
- Regular updates enhance the accuracy of identifications and expand the database.
- Encourages users to actively participate in the identification process.
- Offers offline functionality for nature explorations in remote areas.
Cons
- Initial database download may require an internet connection.
- The identification process may take longer for beginners unfamiliar with insect features.
- While primarily focused on insect identification, it may not cover every species.
- The app contains ads and offer in-app purchases, depending on the version.
6. Bug Identifier
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.1 / 10
How it works:
Just like the apps above Bug Identifier employs a seamless and intuitive approach to identifying insects. This app leverages image recognition technology that makes identifying bugs a snap. Start by capturing a clear photo of the insect you want to identify. Bug Identifier’s intelligent algorithms then analyze the image, comparing it against an extensive database of insect species. In mere moments, you’ll receive a precise identification, along with essential information about the bug’s behavior, habitat, and more. It’s like having an expert entomologist at your fingertips, ready to unravel the mysteries of the insect world.
Supported platforms:
Only available on iOS (App Store).
Pricing:
Free! This app is free to install and use.
Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface suitable for individuals of all ages.
- Lightning-fast identification process, perfect for quick outdoor use.
- Detailed information about identified insects to enrich your knowledge.
- Offline functionality for uninterrupted bug identification in remote areas.
Cons
- An initial internet connection is needed for database updates.
- While highly accurate, occasional misidentifications may occur with uncommon species.
- Focused exclusively on insect identification, not covering other aspects of nature.
- Free to download but offers premium features with a subscription model.
7. Insect Identifier by Photo Cam
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.2 / 10
How it works:
Insect Identifier by Photo Cam is a user-friendly and efficient app for identifying bugs and insects. Using this app is as easy as snapping a photo. When you encounter an insect, capture a clear image of it with your smartphone’s camera. Insect Identifier by Photo Cam then employs state-of-the-art image recognition technology to analyze the photo. It compares the insect in the image to a vast database of insect species, swiftly providing you with an accurate identification and reliable results from professionals and high-qulaity resources. The app doesn’t stop there; it also offers in-depth information about the identified insect, including its habitat, behavior, and more.
Supported platforms:
Only available on Android (Google Play).
Pricing:
Free! This app is free to install and use.
Pros
- User-friendly interface designed for ease of use by all age groups.
- Swift and accurate identification process, perfect for on-the-spot bug identification.
- Detailed information about identified insects, enhancing your knowledge and appreciation.
- Offline functionality, allowing you to identify bugs in remote areas without internet access.
Cons
- Occasional misidentifications occurs with rare or uncommon species.
- Focuses exclusively on insect identification and does not cover other animals or plants.
- While the app is free to download, it offers premium features with a subscription model.
8. Google Lens & iPhone Camera
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.0 / 10
How it works:
Only a few people know that you can also simply use your phone’s camera to identify animals like bugs and insects.
Here’s how:
Google Lens:
- Make sure to install Google Photos, in case it is not yet.
- Open the Google Photos app on your phone.
- Select the photo of the bug you want to identify.
- Tap the Google Lens icon within the app.
- Google Lens will analyze the image and attempt to provide information about the bug, including its species and characteristics.
iPhone camera:
- Capture a clear photo of the bug you want to identify.
- Search swipe up on the photo.
- Tap the Look Up banner.
- Check the results.
They are not dedicated instect-/bug identifier apps, but they still work reasonably good. So in case you don’t want to install a separate app only to identify insects, Google Lense and the iPhone camera will get the job done almost as good!
Supported platforms:
Whereas Google Lens is available for both Android and iOS, the iPhone camera can, for obvious reasons, only be used trough iOS (Apple) devices.
Pricing:
Free! Both Google Lens & the iPhone camera are free to use for identifying bugs.
Pros
- No need to install a separate app for bug or insect identification.
- Can be used to identify various objects, including bugs, plants, and animals.
- Draws information from large databases, providing valuable insights about the identified bug.
Cons
- Internet connection is required to use the application.
- The accuracy of identifications varies, and cannot keep up with dedicated bug identifiers.
Comparison – Best Apps to Identify Bugs & Insects
| App | EcoCation Test Score | Supported Platforms | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Picture Insect: Bug Identifier | 9.3 / 10 | iOS (App Store) & Android (Google Play) | – Fast identification. – In-depth species information. – Regular updates. – Multilingual support. | – Initial database download may need internet. – Limited to insect identification. – Difficulty in noisy environments. – Storage-intensive. |
| 2. Bug ID: Insect Identifier AI | 9.0 / 10 | iOS (App Store) | – Lightning-fast identification. – Extensive insect species coverage. – User-friendly interface. – Regular updates. – Offline functionality. | – Limited to insect identification. – Occasional misidentifications. – Some features require a premium subscription. – Moderate storage usage. |
| 3. Seek by iNaturalist | 8.8 / 10 | iOS (App Store) & Android (Google Play) | – Combines identification and education. – Community engagement. – Family-friendly. – Regular updates. | – Requires internet for identification and data upload. – Occasional imprecision. – Storage-intensive. – Encourages donations. – May be advanced for beginners. |
| 4. Insect ID: Bug Identifier | 8.3 / 10 | iOS (App Store) & Android (Google Play) | – Streamlined identification. – Suitable for all levels. – Information on various species. – Offline use. – Regular updates. | – Limited to insect identification. – Offline limited to downloaded data. – Multiple questions for identification. – May contain ads or in-app purchases. – Manual updates may be needed. |
| 5. Smart Identifier: Plant+Insect | 8.1 / 10 | iOS (App Store) | – Interactive learning. – Educational value. – Regular updates. – Encourages user participation. – Offline functionality. | – Initial database download requires internet. – Longer for beginners. – Primarily insect-focused. – Contains ads or in-app purchases. |
| 6. Bug Identifier | 7.6 / 10 | iOS (App Store) | – User-friendly interface. – Fast identification. – Detailed information. – Offline functionality. | – Internet connection needed. – Occasional misidentifications. – Focuses only on insects. – Offers premium features. – May require manual updates. |
| 7. Insect Identifier by Photo Cam | 7.2 / 10 | Android (Google Play) | – User-friendly interface. – Swift identification. – Detailed insect info. – Offline use. | – Occasional misidentifications. – Limited to insect identification. – Offers premium features. |
| 8. Google Lens & iPhone camera | 7.0 / 10 | iOS (App Store) & Android (Google Play) | – No need for a separate app – Not limited to identifying bugs | – Comparatively low accuracy – Internet connection needed. |
Criteria for Selecting the Best Apps to Identify Bugs & Insects
- 80 testers: We asked our EcoCation insect community and selected 80 testers, located all over the world, using iPhones as well as Android phones.
- Different Regions: In order to test as many different types of bugs & insects as possible, the apps were tested in urban as well as in rural regions.
- Bug & Insect Variety: We tested on a broad variety of bugs and insects, from common ones to unusual species.
- Criteria: After using and comparing the apps extensively for more than 3 months, the testers developed criteria, based on which the apps have been reviewed.
- Ease-of-use: To weed out difficult apps, we asked our testers to report back on obnoxious ads, weird glitches, and setup problems.
- Pricing: Since our goal was to find the best apps to identify bugs and insects, our testers did not focus only on apps that are freely available on the market and also test-purchased premium versions & subscriptions if available.
FAQ
Is there a free app to identify bugs?
Yes, there are several free bug identification apps available for both iOS and Android devices, such as Bug ID or Picture Insect. These apps use image recognition technology to help you identify bugs from photos you take
What is the best app for identifying insects?
The best app for identifying insects can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. Popular choices include:
- Bug ID: Known for its accuracy and extensive database.
- Picture Insect: Offers a unique approach with audio recognition.
- Seek by iNaturalist: Combines identification with community-driven science.
How do you identify unknown bugs?
You can identify unknown bugs using a bug identification app, such as Insect ID: Bug Identifier. Simply take a clear photo of the bug and let the app’s image recognition or identification features analyze it. The app will provide you with information about the bug’s species and characteristics.
How do I use Google to identify insects?
To use Google for insect identification, take a photo of the insect. Then, open the Google Photos app, select the photo, and tap the Lens icon. Google Lens will analyze the image and provide information about the insect.
Can Google identify a bug by photo?
Yes, Google Lens & Google Reverse Image Search can identify bugs by analyzing a photo you take. It uses image recognition technology to provide information about the insect’s species and characteristics.
Can I take a picture of a bug and tell me what it is?
Yes, you can take a picture of a bug and use a bug identification app like Bug Identifier or Smart Identifier to identify it. These apps analyze the photo and provide details about the bug’s identity.
Can you identify bugs on Iphone?
Yes, you can identify bugs on an iPhone using various bug identification apps available on the App Store. These apps use the iPhone’s camera and image recognition technology to provide bug identification.
Can iPhone take detailed picture of bugs?
iPhones can take detailed pictures of bugs, but the level of detail may depend on the camera quality and lighting conditions. Using the iPhone’s camera and focusing on the bug can help capture detailed images for identification.
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