Free tool
What Bug Is This? Free Bug Identifier
Upload a photo of any insect and get the species.
Something in the kitchen, on a plant, or crawling across the floor — upload a photo and get a name for it. Works on beetles, true bugs, flies, wasps, ants, caterpillars and the rest.
Confidence:
Want the full profile?
Habitat, diet, behavior and a follow-up chat — in the app.
AI identification from a single photo. Accuracy depends on the photo — treat an uncertain result as uncertain.
Get the app for more identifications
Animal Identifier gives you 2 free identifications a day, no signup.
- 2 free identifications every day
- Habitat, diet and behavior for every find
- Ask follow-up questions about the animal
- Your identifications saved in one place
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it identify a bug found in my house?
Yes, and indoor finds are often easier because you can get close. Household insects are a small, well-documented set, so a sharp photo usually resolves quickly.
Can it identify a caterpillar?
Yes. Caterpillars are one of the most-asked groups, and our written guides go deeper on the ones people worry about — see the stinging caterpillars guide and the state-by-state identification guides on the blog.
Is this bug identifier free?
Yes. You get one free identification here with no account and no signup. For more, the Animal Identifier app gives you 2 free identifications a day.
How do I take a photo that actually works?
Fill the frame as much as you safely can and keep it in focus. Most failed identifications are photos taken from too far away. A sharp close-up beats a wide shot every time, and a second angle helps when the first is ambiguous.
Does it work offline?
No. Identification runs in the cloud, so you need an internet connection — both here and in the app.
How accurate is it?
It depends almost entirely on the photo. A clear, close, well-lit image of a distinctive species usually returns a confident answer. A blurry or distant shot of something with close relatives often cannot be resolved from the image alone, and it is better to know that than to be given a confident guess.