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Nature is fascinating — and insects, although small, represent a huge part of the planet’s biodiversity. At home, in the garden, on trails or even in urban environments, it is common to come across curious species that raise questions: “What insect could this be?”, “Is it dangerous?”, “What is its scientific name?”
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Today, with the help of technology, it is now possible to identify these little creatures directly from your cell phone. And the best part: quickly, reliably and free of charge. In this article, we will introduce two free apps that identify insects based on photos, ideal for nature enthusiasts, curious people or students.
Read on and discover how to turn your smartphone into a real digital magnifying glass to explore the world of insects.
Why use an app to identify insects?
There are over 1 million catalogued insect species — and many researchers believe that this number is still only a fraction of the existing diversity. Identifying each species manually is a complex task that requires technical knowledge.
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Happily, identification applications use artificial intelligence to cross-reference images and data and present reliable results with just one photo. They function as educational and scientific tools, as well as as support for health and safety, helping to distinguish between harmless insects and those that may pose a risk.
Additionally, apps allow record observations, contribute to scientific databases and learn more about the ecosystem around us.
1. Seek by iNaturalist – Knowledge and Science at Your Fingertips
Developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the California Academy of Sciences, the Search by iNaturalist is a free application that allows you to identify insects and other living beings using your cell phone's camera. It is aimed at everyone, from children to environmental professionals.
How does it work?
The application uses artificial intelligence based on computer vision. By pointing the camera at an insect, plant or animal, it analyzes the image in real time and suggests possible identifications. The better the quality of the photo, the more accurate the identification will be.
Seek Highlights:
- Instant recognition of hundreds of insect species;
- Works without the need to login;
- Simple and intuitive interface, ideal for educational use;
- Stores your observations and creates a history of discoveries;
- Database connected to the iNaturalist scientific project.
In addition to identifying the insect, Seek shows information about its scientific name, classification, habitat and visual characteristics, becoming a complete tool for learning.
How to use:
- Install Seek from the Play Store or App Store;
- Open the app and allow use of the camera;
- Point at the insect or take a photo;
- See the identification and explore more information about the species.
2. Picture Insect – Identify Insects with a Single Photo
O Picture Insect is another excellent alternative for identifying insects directly from your cell phone. It was developed with a focus on ease of use and is suitable for both regular users and beginner students and researchers.
How does it work?
You take a photo of the insect or choose an image from your gallery. The app then compares it to a database of thousands of species to provide the best match. Within seconds, it displays the name of the insect, as well as useful information about its behavior, habitat and whether or not it poses a risk.
Picture Insect Highlights:
- Fast and reliable recognition from photos;
- Detailed information about the insect's habits and life cycle;
- History of identifications saved in the app itself;
- Indication of potentially dangerous species;
- Simple design and aimed at beginners.
What makes Picture Insect unique is that it doesn't require you to point the camera in real time. This is especially useful when the insect has already been photographed and you just want to analyze it later.
How to use:
- Download the app from your system's store;
- Open the app and upload a photo of the insect;
- Wait for processing and see the result with the full description;
- Save the IDs for future reference.
Which app to choose?
Both apps are excellent, but they have slightly different propositions:
- O Search by iNaturalist It is more geared towards those who enjoy observing nature in real time and want to participate in a scientific community. It is a good option for those looking for an educational app with live recognition and a focus on continuous learning.
- Already the Picture Insect is ideal for those who want a practical tool for identify specific insects based on photos. Its focus is simplicity, ideal for everyday use and quick consultations.
You can even use both together: register with Seek and delve deeper into the information in Picture Insect.
Tips for taking good photos of insects
For best results with apps, follow these recommendations:
- Approach with caution, without scaring the insect;
- Use the macro mode from your cell phone, if available;
- Take pictures with good lighting, preferably during the day;
- Focus on details like wings, antennas, body shape and colors;
- Avoid shadows and confusing backgrounds.
Clear photos help apps recognize more accurately and provide more reliable responses.
Conclusion
Technology is bringing people closer to nature. With apps like Seek and the Picture Insect, you can explore the biodiversity around you, learn interactively and even contribute to science, all with just a few taps on your cell phone.
Whether it’s out of curiosity, study or environmental care, these free apps are powerful tools for anyone who wants to learn more about the incredible world of insects. And the best part is: you don’t need to be a biologist or specialist to get started.
Download it now, point your camera at that curious insect in the garden and start your journey of discovery.
If you wish, I can complement the blog post with a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. Do you want to include it?
