In an age where technology is present in almost every aspect of daily life, it’s no surprise that there are apps to help you identify insects. Whether it’s out of curiosity, study, or to check if an insect is dangerous, these apps have become invaluable tools for nature enthusiasts, students, researchers, and anyone interested in the subject. Here, we’ll explore how to use these apps, highlighting some of the most effective ones available for download around the world.
iNaturalist
iNaturalist is a social network for nature lovers where users can share their observations of flora and fauna, including insects. The app, developed in collaboration between the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, uses artificial intelligence to suggest identifications based on photos submitted by users.
How to use:
- Download iNaturalist from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Create an account or log in.
- Take a photo of the insect you want to identify and upload it via the app.
- The app's artificial intelligence will offer identification suggestions based on the image.
- Other users can also contribute by offering their opinions on the identification.
Picture Insect
Picture Insect is an app that allows users to quickly identify any insect with a photo. With a vast database and an accurate identification tool, this app has become a reference in the field of digital entomology.
How to use:
- Download Picture Insect from your smartphone's app store.
- Open the app and take a photo of the insect or select an existing image from your phone's gallery.
- Once you upload your photo, the app will analyze the image and provide details about the insect, including its name, characteristics, habitat, and whether or not it is harmful.
Search by iNaturalist
Developed by the same team as iNaturalist, Seek is aimed at a younger audience and those who prefer a simpler interface. This app encourages outdoor exploration by allowing users to point their phone's camera at any plant, animal or insect and get real-time information.
How to use:
- Install Seek through your app store.
- Open the app and point the camera at the insect you want to identify.
- The app will automatically recognize the insect and provide information about it.
- You can record your discoveries and share them with the Seek community.
Google Lens
While not an app dedicated exclusively to insect identification, Google Lens is a powerful tool that can recognize millions of objects, including insects. Built into the camera app on many Android devices and available in the Google app on iOS devices, Google Lens uses visual search to provide information on a variety of subjects.
How to use:
- If you're using Android, open the Camera app and select Google Lens. On iOS, open the Google app and tap the Lens icon.
- Point the camera at the insect you want to identify.
- Google Lens will analyze the image and present search results related to the insect, including information from specialized websites.
Conclusion
With the help of apps like iNaturalist, Picture Insect, Seek and Google Lens, identifying insects has become a simple and accessible task. Whether for personal or academic interest or simple curiosity, these digital tools offer a practical and educational way to explore the world of insects. By facilitating access to information and promoting connection with nature, these apps contribute to raising awareness and conserving biodiversity around the world.
