How to use the insect identifier
Take a clear photo of the insect
Use natural light if you can. Get the whole body in the frame and try to include antennae and legs.
Open the insect identifier tool
Tap the upload button above. Accept JPG or PNG up to 8 MB. No signup is required.
Review the AI suggestion
You'll get the insect's name, a confidence score, and a safety level. If confidence is low, try a clearer photo.
Read the related guide
Most results link to a detailed guide on this site with photos, prevention tips, and when to call a pro.
What to look for when identifying an insect
The AI does most of the work, but a quick mental checklist saves time. Most insect identification comes down to six visible features:
Identification checklist
Check each clue below to narrow down what you saw.
Number of legs
6 legs = insect; 8 legs = spider or mite (not an insect)
Wings
None, two, four, or hard wing covers (beetles)
Body shape
Long and thin, round, segmented, or pear-shaped
Antennae
Long and thin (moths), short and bent (bees), feathered (silk moths)
Color and pattern
Solid, striped, spotted, banded, or iridescent
Where you saw it
Indoors, on plants, near water, under bark
Common insect categories you might identify
Our insect identifier handles the most common North American household and garden insects, including:
| Group | Examples | Where you see them |
|---|---|---|
| Beetles | Carpet beetles, weevils, ladybugs | Pantry, gardens, indoors |
| Flies | Fruit flies, drain flies, house flies | Kitchens, drains, fruit |
| Ants | Black ants, carpenter ants, sugar ants | Counters, walls, outdoors |
| Bees & wasps | Honeybees, bumblebees, paper wasps | Gardens, eaves, yards |
| Moths | Pantry moths, silk moths, hawk moths | Pantry, lights at night |
| Butterflies | Monarchs, swallowtails, painted ladies | Gardens, meadows |
| Caterpillars | Monarch larvae, hornworms, woolly bears | Plants, trees |
| True bugs | Bed bugs, stink bugs, boxelder bugs | Beds, indoors in fall |
For spiders, see our spider identifier. For bugs you can’t place into a clear category, our general bug identifier covers a broader range.
Insect identifier app vs browser tool
Dedicated insect identification apps (Picture Insect, iNaturalist, Seek) work well, but each has tradeoffs. iNaturalist needs an account; Picture Insect uses paid features for some species; Seek is general-purpose. A browser tool like ours runs without an install and protects your photo from being stored long-term.
- Browser tool (this site): No signup, no install, mobile-friendly.
- iNaturalist: Best for unusual or rare species; community helps confirm.
- Picture Insect: Quick mobile results; some species require paid features.
- Seek by iNaturalist: Great for kids; uses your phone camera live.
Pest control disclaimer. Photo-based identification can help, but it is not always perfect. For dangerous spiders, large infestations, or anything you are unsure about, contact a licensed pest control professional.