Best of 11 butterfly identification apps on Android, iPhone

Identify butterflies with ease using the Picture Insect, iNaturalist, and Seek by iNaturalist apps. These top-rated apps offer comprehensive identification, detailed information, and a vibrant community of nature enthusiasts.

App Logo Available On Reviews Downloads Features
1. Picture Insect Picture Insect Icon Android, iOS 4.5/5 5M+ Instant insect identification, AI-powered photo recognition
2. iNaturalist iNaturalist Icon Android, iOS 4.3/5 5M+ Crowdsourced identifications, Community of experts
3. Seek by iNaturalist Seek by iNaturalist Icon Android, iOS 4.6/5 3M+ Identify plants and animals, Earn badges for discoveries
4. ObsIdentify ObsIdentify Icon Android, iOS 5/5 836K+ Wildlife identification, Community collaboration, Contribution to research
5. Insect Spider & Bug identifier Insect Spider & Bug identifier Icon Android 2.5/5 525K+ Einfache Bedienung, Detaillierte Informationen, Große Artenvielfalt
6. Bug Identifier Bug Finder Bug Identifier Bug Finder Icon Android 4.1/5 216K+ Schnelle Identifizierung, Einfache Bedienung, Umfassende Datenbank
7. Butterfly Butterfly Icon Android 2.6/5 33K+ Identify butterflies, Offline identification, Multilingual support
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1. Picture Insect

Picture Insect Icon

AI powered identification, 4000+ species database, Community sharing


Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)

Picture Insect is a comprehensive butterfly identification app that allows you to instantly identify any butterfly species with just a photo. Its vast database and advanced image recognition technology ensure accurate results every time. Whether you're an experienced entomologist or a nature enthusiast, Picture Insect is the perfect tool for identifying butterflies in the field or from the comfort of your home.

Despite its impressive features, Picture Insect continues to evolve based on user feedback. Users have suggested adding options to upload multiple photos and provide descriptions for clearer identification. The app's developers are actively working to incorporate these suggestions, making Picture Insect even more user-friendly and effective. With its commitment to accuracy and user satisfaction, Picture Insect is the go-to app for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating world of butterflies.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 Million Downloads
Features Identifies insects from pictures, provides detailed information about species, tracks identified insects in a personal collection, offers helpful tips on pest control.
Pros Accurate identification, informative, user-friendly interface.
Cons Requires internet connection for identification, occasional misidentification, some features require premium subscription.
Picture Insect - Instant insect identification, AI-powered photo recognition
  • Tags:
  • Instant Insect ID
  • AI Photo Recognition
  • 4,000+ Species Database

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2. iNaturalist

iNaturalist Icon

Community-sourced identifications, Research-grade data collection


Cost: iNaturalist (Free)

iNaturalist is an exceptional butterfly identification app that empowers you to connect with nature and expand your knowledge. With its user-friendly interface and extensive database, identifying butterflies becomes effortless. The app's vibrant community of nature enthusiasts provides valuable insights and assistance, making your exploration even more enriching.

Despite its occasional technical challenges, iNaturalist remains a top choice for butterfly enthusiasts. Its accuracy, coupled with the ability to compare side-by-side images, ensures reliable identification. The app's comprehensive collection of images captures the beauty of butterflies in various seasonal phases, offering a well-rounded understanding of their life cycles.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 million downloads
Features Record observations of plants and animals, identify species from photos, share findings with a community of naturalists, and contribute to biodiversity science.
Pros Educational, fun, contributes to science, easy to use.
Cons Accuracy of identifications can vary, requires internet access for some features, occasional bugs or glitches.
iNaturalist - Crowdsourced identifications, Community of experts
  • Tags:
  • Nature identification
  • Community collaboration
  • Citizen science

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3. Seek by iNaturalist

Seek by iNaturalist Icon

Identify plants and animals, Earn badges for observations, Contribute to scientific research


Cost: Seek by iNaturalist (Free)

Introducing Seek by iNaturalist, the ultimate butterfly identification app that transforms your smartphone into a powerful nature exploration tool! With its vast database and user-friendly interface, Seek makes it easier than ever to identify and learn about the butterflies you encounter in the wild. Simply snap a photo of a butterfly, and the app will provide you with instant identification and detailed information about its species, habitat, and behavior.

Despite its impressive capabilities, Seek remains a work in progress. While it excels in identifying common species, users have noted occasional difficulties with smaller or less common butterflies. Additionally, the app's photo selection process and lack of manual species entry options have been cited as areas for improvement. However, Seek's commitment to data privacy and its educational value more than make up for these minor drawbacks.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 million downloads
Features Identify plants and animals using image recognition technology, earn badges for observing different species, contribute to iNaturalist's database, participate in challenges, and learn about the natural world.
Pros Educational, fun to use, great for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Cons Accuracy can be inconsistent, requires a stable internet connection for some features, limited functionality offline.
Seek by iNaturalist - Identify plants and animals, Earn badges for discoveries
  • Tags:
  • Real-time identification
  • Earn badges and rewards
  • Explore nature and learn

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4. ObsIdentify

ObsIdentify Icon

AI-powered recognition, Species identification, Nature observation tracker


Cost: ObsIdentify Free (Free)

ObsIdentify is a user-friendly butterfly identification app that allows you to recognize nature in one click. Despite occasional incorrect identifications, it excels in identifying common species. While it currently lacks the option to manually enter a species, its user-friendly interface and continuous improvement make it a valuable tool for nature enthusiasts.

Despite some limitations, ObsIdentify's recent update has significantly enhanced its species recognition capabilities. While it occasionally crashes when saving certain species, the overall performance is impressive. With its ability to access photos from your gallery, ObsIdentify provides a convenient way to identify butterflies on the go.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 million downloads
Features Identify and learn about species through image recognition, explore nearby observations, and contribute to citizen science.
Pros User-friendly, educational, and contributes to scientific research.
Cons Requires internet connection, accuracy can vary, and may drain battery life with prolonged use.
ObsIdentify - Wildlife identification, Community collaboration, Contribution to research
  • Tags:
  • Nature identification
  • Contribute to research
  • Earn badges and rewards

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5. Insect Spider & Bug identifier

Insect Spider & Bug identifier Icon

Easy to use, Detailed information, Wide coverage


Cost: Basic (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of entomology with Insect Spider & Bug Identifier, the ultimate butterfly identification app for your mobile device. This groundbreaking app empowers you to effortlessly identify any butterfly species with unparalleled accuracy.

Harnessing the power of advanced AI technology, Insect Spider & Bug Identifier analyzes your photos to provide detailed information about the butterfly's species, habitat, and behavior. Its user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to capture and identify butterflies, transforming your nature walks into thrilling expeditions of discovery.

Download:

Android

Application information:

Downloads Over 500,000 downloads
Features Identifies insects, spiders, and bugs from photos using AI image recognition technology, providing detailed information about each species.
Pros Fast, accurate identification with detailed information about species.
Cons May require an internet connection, accuracy can vary depending on photo quality.
Insect Spider & Bug identifier - Einfache Bedienung, Detaillierte Informationen, Große Artenvielfalt
  • Tags:
  • Easy to use
  • Detailed information
  • Wide coverage

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6. Bug Identifier Bug Finder

Bug Identifier Bug Finder Icon

Immediate bug identification, Detailed insect information, Easy-to-use interface


Cost: Basic (Free), Premium ($4.99 per week)

Among the many insect identification apps available, 'Bug Identifier Bug Finder' has emerged as a reliable and informative choice for butterfly enthusiasts. With a high accuracy rate and an impressive database, it empowers users to identify butterflies with ease, gaining valuable knowledge about these fascinating creatures.

The app's user-friendly interface and comprehensive information make it an indispensable tool for both casual and experienced butterfly observers. Whether you're encountering a giant spider in your home or simply curious about the insects in your backyard, 'Bug Identifier Bug Finder' provides accurate identification and educational insights, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Download:

Android

Application information:

Downloads 215,000+
Features Identify insects from photos, browse an insect encyclopedia, learn about insect habitats and behaviors.
Pros Accurate identification, user-friendly interface, educational content.
Cons May require internet connection, some features might require a paid subscription, occasional misidentifications.
Bug Identifier Bug Finder - Schnelle Identifizierung, Einfache Bedienung, Umfassende Datenbank
  • Tags:
  • Easy bug identification
  • Quick and reliable
  • Anytime, anywhere

7. Butterfly

Butterfly Icon

Identify from photos, Scan from gallery, Offline identification


Cost: Butterfly Basic (Free), Butterfly Premium ($4.99)

Are you a nature enthusiast who loves butterflies? Look no further than the 'Butterfly' app, your ultimate companion for identifying these beautiful creatures. This AI-powered app boasts an extensive database of butterfly species, making it a breeze to put a name to that elusive flutterby in your garden.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the 'Butterfly' app is incredibly user-friendly. Simply snap a photo of the butterfly you want to identify, and the app will work its magic, providing you with a list of possible matches. Even if your photo isn't perfect, the app's advanced algorithms will still strive to provide you with the most accurate identification possible.

Download:

Android

Application information:

Downloads Over 10,000
Features Identifies butterfly species from photos, provides detailed information about each species, and tracks sightings on a map.
Pros Easy to use, educational, and great for butterfly enthusiasts.
Cons Accuracy of identification can vary, requires a stable internet connection for some features, and limited to butterfly species.
Butterfly - Identify butterflies, Offline identification, Multilingual support
  • Tags:
  • Easy to use
  • Identify butterflies
  • Offline identification

8. EcoGuide

EcoGuide Icon

Offline usage, 12 simple determination characters, Drawings of imago


Cost: EcoGuide: Butterflies of Russia (Free), Full Version ($4.99)

EcoGuide is a mobile butterfly identification app that makes it easy to identify butterflies in the field. With its comprehensive database of butterflies and user-friendly interface, EcoGuide is the perfect tool for anyone interested in learning more about these beautiful creatures.

"This app is a must-have for anyone who loves butterflies. It's so easy to use and has a huge database of butterflies. I've already used it to identify several butterflies that I've never seen before."

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10,000
Features Identify Russian butterfly species through images, learn about their characteristics, and log sightings.
Pros Offline functionality, user-friendly interface, detailed information.
Cons Limited to Russian butterflies, occasional inaccuracies in identification, requires storage space for images.
EcoGuide - Field guide to butterflies of Northern Eurasia, Easy identification using 12 simple characters
  • Tags:
  • Field guide
  • Offline use
  • Unique content

9. ButterflyCount

ButterflyCount Icon

Easy species identification, Records number of butterflies, Supports scientific research

Calling all nature enthusiasts! The ButterflyCount app is here to empower you in the fight for butterfly conservation. Join a community of dedicated individuals who are passionate about tracking butterfly populations across the UK. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily contribute valuable data that helps scientists map butterfly species numbers.

Whether you're a seasoned butterfly expert or just starting your entomological journey, ButterflyCount has something for you. But be warned, some users have expressed concerns about the accuracy of species names. While the developers continue to work on improving the app, it remains a powerful tool for making a real difference in butterfly conservation. So, grab your phone, venture into the great outdoors, and become a citizen scientist with ButterflyCount!

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads 7,000+
Features Record butterfly sightings with species identification, GPS tagging, and offline functionality for field use.
Pros Easy to use, educational, contributes to valuable scientific research.
Cons Limited to butterflies, occasional bugs reported, requires internet for some features.
ButterflyCount - Dynamic location mapping, GPS acquired route info, Photographic evidence
  • Tags:
  • Citizen science
  • Butterfly monitoring
  • Conservation tool

10. Bug ID

Bug ID Icon

Instant insect identification, Comprehensive bug database, User-friendly interface


Cost: Basic (Free) (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)

Unveiling the wonders of the butterfly world, Bug ID empowers you to identify these ethereal creatures with unmatched accuracy. With its advanced image recognition technology, simply capture an image of any butterfly, and the app will instantly reveal its species, characteristics, and even its gender. This groundbreaking feature empowers you to delve deeper into the fascinating lives of butterflies, unlocking their secrets with ease.

Despite its remarkable capabilities, Bug ID remains incredibly user-friendly. The app's intuitive interface ensures seamless navigation, while its crystal-clear images and detailed descriptions provide a comprehensive understanding of each butterfly species. Even in challenging lighting conditions, Bug ID's advanced algorithms deliver precise results, ensuring that you never miss a beat in your butterfly exploration. Embrace the beauty and diversity of the butterfly world with Bug ID, your trusted companion on every entomological adventure.

Download:

Android

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 Million Downloads
Features Identify insects from photos, explore a vast insect database, learn about insect habitats and behaviors.
Pros Accurate identification, user-friendly interface, educational content.
Cons Requires internet connection, occasional misidentification, some features require premium version.
Bug ID - Insekten sofort erkennen, Umfassende Informationen
  • Tags:
  • Instant bug recognition
  • Detailed insect information
  • Pest vs beneficial insect ID

11. Butterfly Spotter

Butterfly Spotter Icon

Comprehensive butterfly database, Easy identification using photos


Cost: Butterfly Spotter (Free), Butterfly Spotter Premium ($4.99)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of butterflies with "Butterfly Spotter," the ultimate mobile app for butterfly enthusiasts. This comprehensive field guide transforms your smartphone into a pocket-sized expert, empowering you to identify and record butterfly species with ease. As you embark on your butterfly-spotting adventures, "Butterfly Spotter" will be your trusted companion, helping you unravel the secrets of these delicate creatures and appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

With its user-friendly interface and extensive database, "Butterfly Spotter" makes butterfly identification a breeze. Capture a photo of a butterfly, and the app will instantly provide you with detailed information, including its scientific name, common name, habitat, and other fascinating facts. The app's intuitive design allows you to easily browse through species, create personalized checklists, and share your sightings with the community. As you delve deeper into the world of butterflies, "Butterfly Spotter" will ignite a passion for nature and inspire you to appreciate the intricate beauty that surrounds us.

Download:

Android

Application information:

Downloads Over 100,000 downloads
Features Identify butterfly species from photos, explore a rich butterfly database with images and descriptions, log sightings with GPS locations, and contribute to citizen science initiatives.
Pros Easy to use, educational, beautiful imagery, supports conservation.
Cons Limited to certain regions, accuracy of identification depends on photo quality, requires internet access for some features.
Butterfly Spotter - Identify butterflies instantly, Track your sightings
  • Tags:
  • Easy butterfly identification
  • Offline database
  • Gamified experience