Bug identifier
Choose any traits you are sure about and skip the rest. Results update as you go, and if nothing matches every choice you'll see the closest matches instead.
Showing all 100 bugs. Choose a trait to narrow the list.
How to use the bug identifier
Start with legs, since it splits bugs into clear groups: insects have six legs, spiders, ticks and mites have eight, and centipedes, millipedes and pill bugs have many more. Next, check for wings. Beetles, stink bugs and cockroaches fold their wings flat, so look for a line down the middle of the back.
For size, compare the bug with a coin. A US penny is 19 mm across and a dime is about 18 mm. If the bug is smaller than the letters on the coin, choose tiny. Color can vary with age and lighting, so pick the color that covers most of the body.
Once you have a match, open its page to check the three key features, compare lookalikes and see whether it bites or stings.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the bug identifier?
It narrows 100 common North American bugs by visible traits. Always confirm with the key features listed on each bug's page, and ask your local cooperative extension office for help with anything unusual.
What if my bug isn't listed?
The tool covers the bugs people find most often in and around homes. If nothing looks right, a local extension office or entomology department can identify it from a clear photo.
Is this tool free?
Yes. It runs in your browser and doesn't need an account.