For anyone who has ever stopped mid-step to ask, “What’s that weird bug?” there’s a place designed just for you. BugGuide, hosted by Iowa State University, has quietly become one of the most influential tools in modern entomology, bridging the gap between professional scientists and curious observers.
For Dr. John VanDyk, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, maintaining BugGuide isn’t just part of the job, it’s a two-decade commitment to making insect science accessible to everyone.
From Passion Project to Essential Resource
Although BugGuide began as an independent initiative, its surging popularity soon required institutional support.
“While I did not create BugGuide, I worked with its creator to transfer the site to Iowa State University in 2006 after its rapid growth became too much to handle,” VanDyk explained. “This marks my 20th year of maintaining BugGuide.”
Since then, BugGuide has evolved into what many consider a cornerstone of entomological knowledge.
Why BugGuide Matters
BugGuide’s impact lies in its depth and its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a backyard naturalist, the platform offers a remarkable range of tools and insights.
“The breadth of information is astounding,” said VanDyk. “You can find instructions for rearing wild insects, maps of butterfly occurrence, tips to distinguish male from female earwigs, and view the latest insects found in your area all in a few clicks.”
Behind this resource is a dedicated community. For more than 20 years, editors and contributors have built a living encyclopedia of insect life, carefully curating species pages, organizing references, and selecting representative images.
“We all get to benefit from these decades of work,” he added.
A Window into Public Curiosity
In 2025 alone, BugGuide recorded an average of 220 submissions per day and 50 million page views; numbers that speak volumes about public interest in the natural world.
“Even as children we ask: What’s that weird bug? Can I learn more about it?” VanDyk said. “BugGuide is a place where you can get answers.”
Users can browse existing images to identify insects or upload their own photos for community input. From discovering the name of a species to understanding its habitat or diet, the platform transforms simple curiosity into discovery.
Powered by Community Science
At its core, BugGuide is a collaborative effort that relies on volunteers, experts, and enthusiasts working together.
“BugGuide editors have a pretty high bar for identification, which leads to confidence that the information on the site is actually correct,” VanDyk noted. “That’s not to say we always get it right. We even have a forum called Possible Misidentifications. Many eyes help nudge things in the right direction.”
This model not only improves accuracy but also makes science more approachable. Passionate contributors, whether focused on dragonflies, beetles, moths, or another favorite group, help maintain quality while welcoming newcomers into the field.
Preparing for the Future
As BugGuide looks ahead, modernization is key. VanDyk points to several priorities that will shape the platform’s next chapter.
“Upgrading the website to more modern technology will allow us to improve search, mobile friendliness, and editor tools,” he said. “This is a big task but ultimately it will be easier to use and maintain.”
Accessibility is also front of mind.
“If we expect new folks to join the BugGuide community, we need to make it easy,” he emphasized.
The team is also exploring how BugGuide can remain visible and relevant as more users turn to AI tools for information.
A Gateway to Lifelong Curiosity
Like birdwatching, insect observation often starts with a single moment of curiosity and grows into something more.
“One night you see an interesting moth near your porch light, and the next thing you know your refrigerator is full of small jars of chilled moths that you are photographing and submitting to BugGuide!” VanDyk said.
With over 12,000 species of moths in North America alone, the opportunities for discovery are nearly endless. Whether it’s moths, tiger beetles, or leafhoppers, BugGuide offers a “gentle introduction” to entomology that can spark lifelong interest.
Still, VanDyk acknowledges that the platform can feel overwhelming at first. Tutorials and beginner guides exist, but he sees value in creating more structured onboarding experiences to help new users navigate the site. Here are two VanDyk says are helpful for the beginner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZbf-n1CEiU and https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/137046
A Community Worth Joining
Ultimately, BugGuide is more than a database; it’s a community built on shared curiosity and volunteer effort.
“BugGuide is a community project where the work is done by volunteers,” VanDyk said. “If you submit an insect for identification, be patient. And if you are interested in helping the site grow, reach out and let us know about your skill set and how you can help!”
From the simple question “What is this bug?” to a global network of knowledge, BugGuide continues to prove that science thrives when curiosity meets community.