Comparison

Monarch SOS vs Bug Identifier

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Monarch SOS

Identify monarch butterflies and their host plants with this comprehensive field guide. Learn about their life cycle, threats, and conservation efforts. Compare look-alike species and stay updated on migration news.

Highlights
  • Monarch identification guide
  • Life cycle stages
  • Confusing look-alike comparison
  • Milkweed species identification
  • Conservation efforts information
  • Migration news updates
Read full description

Monarch SOS is a field guide for the public as well as a citizen science reporting app. It is the first monarch app developed by scientists that covers monarch identification in all life cycle stages, confusing look-alikes and numerous milkweed species (monarchs' larval host plants), frequently encountered in North America. Monarch SOS is a valuable tool for learning about monarch butterflies, threats they face and how everyone can help bring back the monarchs by making a few simple lifestyle changes. If viceroy and queen butterflies confuse you, quickly learn the differences in the "Compare" section under each butterfly. Keep up with the latest information on monarch conservation efforts and migration news by checking in daily with What's New? The feed is updated every time you open the app, so you'll always be in the loop!

About

Bug Identifier

Instantly identify insects by taking a photo or uploading an image. Access a vast database with detailed information on thousands of species. Offers a user-friendly interface for quick and accurate insect recognition.

Highlights
  • Instant AI-powered insect identification
  • Identify from photo or camera
  • Extensive database of 7,000+ species
  • Detailed insect information
  • User-friendly interface
  • Ad-free premium experience
Features
Read full description

Do you need to identify an insect accurately and quickly? With Insect ID, it's easier than ever before. Simply take a photo or upload an image of the insect, and receive detailed information with just one tap. Our insect identification is powered by the latest artificial intelligence technology, ensuring the highest accuracy of results. FEATURES - Instantly identify insects from a photo or directly using your camera with a single tap. - Access to an extensive database of insects, featuring around 7,000 species. - Receive detailed information about each identified insect. - Enjoy a user-friendly and intuitive interface for easy navigation. SUBSCRIPTIONS Yearly Premium Duration: 1 year (includes a 3-day free trial) Weekly Premium Duration: 7 days (includes a 3-day free trial) Insect ID Premium offers unlimited insect identifications, expert answers from entomologists, comprehensive insect information, and a completely ad-free experience without any watermarks. - Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be identified. - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription to that publication, where applicable. - You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Terms of Use: https://insectidpro.xyz/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://insectidpro.xyz/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Monarch SOS4 screens
Bug Identifier4 screens

Verdict

The call

Monarch SOS and Bug Identifier both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Monarch SOS's written reviews are positive against 50% of Bug Identifier's. Monarch SOS also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). Bug Identifier's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Bug Identifier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Monarch SOS asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Monarch SOS against 4.7 for Bug Identifier. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 19 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Monarch SOS's written reviews are positive against 50% of Bug Identifier's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Monarch SOS ships an update every 5 weeks, Bug Identifier every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Monarch SOS versus Bug Identifier: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMonarch SOSBug Identifier
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (18 ratings)4.7 (19 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1819 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size176 MB63 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNaturedigger LLCAdrian Grotek

Customer experience

Monarch SOS

All ratings18 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral5.6%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bug Identifier

All ratings11 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.1%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

Monarch SOS

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Bug Identifier

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Annual Subscription3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Monarch SOS free?
Monarch SOS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Bug Identifier free?
Bug Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Monarch SOS or Bug Identifier?
Bug Identifier is rated higher. Monarch SOS averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Bug Identifier averages 4.7 from 19 ratings.
Do Monarch SOS or Bug Identifier have ads?
Neither Monarch SOS nor Bug Identifier shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Monarch SOS or Bug Identifier?
Monarch SOS ships an update every 5 weeks, and Bug Identifier every 9 days. Most recently, Monarch SOS was updated on October 16, 2026 and Bug Identifier on October 24, 2026.

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