r/bugidentification

No Pictures of Bites, Rashes, or Skin Eruptions

Do not post images of bites, rashes, or any skin eruptions. These images cannot reliably tell us what might have caused the issue. Instead, if you suspect an insect is responsible, try to capture it using traps and post clear photos of the actual insect for identification.

Preferred Media for Identification

Submit clear, still photographs for optimal identification. High-quality videos are acceptable but should be clear and stable enough to ensure features can be accurately identified. Photographs, especially close, top-view shots, are generally more effective for identifying small bugs.

Human Health Concerns Off-limits

This subreddit is not suited for questions about human health issues. Please consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns.

Location Required

Include the geographic location of the insect in your post title or description. Accurate identification often depends on knowing where the insect was found.

ID requests of common well known insects are to be treated with the same respect as other posts.

Yes there are many cases that will seem like it should be obvious to people what the bug is. However in the interest of fostering a friendly and welcoming environment these posts should be addressed respectfully and with the assumption that OP really doesn't know what the bug is. Rude answers or telling OP to "go outside" will not be tolerated.

If you believe the OP is posting a common insect to troll then you may report the post for moderator review.

Be Respectful

Bullying, harassment, doxing, or any form of disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Our community thrives on respect and constructive dialogue.

No "Kill it with fire" comments.

We allow pest control advice here as long as the advice is legal, safe, and warranted. Fire is not a pesticide though, and is not covered under the advice we allow. These comments add nothing to the discussion, and will be removed.

No AI responses

Do not use AI to reply to posts here. If you are using tools like iNaturalist, the Seek app, Google image search, etc. be sure to actually verify the results these tools give you.

Do not post pest control advice or similar that has been AI generated. AI is frequently incorrect. We already have experts active in this subreddit who can provide advice when needed. Do not make them waste their time correcting an AI generated comment.