What it does
This app is an AI-powered tool designed to identify insects from photos. Users can either take a new picture or upload one from their gallery. The app then scans the image and provides a detailed identification, including the insect's common name, scientific name, family, and other relevant information. Beyond identification, it offers a database of insects, an AI chatbot for questions, and a feature to find local pest control services.
Where it shines
The app shines in its clear and structured presentation of information post-identification. At 01:58, the results screen is well-organized with the insect's name, family, a photo gallery, and multiple sections for summary, harm potential, and scientific classification. Another strong point is the gamified reward system. After the first successful scan, the user is greeted with an animated achievement badge at 01:50, which encourages continued use by creating a sense of progress.
UX highlights
- Expectation Management: Before the first scan, the app explains its 4-stage recognition accuracy (00:55), which helps prevent user frustration with imperfect results.
- Gamified Achievements: Unlocking a 'level 2' badge (01:50) after the first identification adds a rewarding, game-like element to the experience.
- Integrated AI Chat: The chatbot feature (02:20) provides an alternative way to get information, answering user questions directly within the app.
- Editable Results: The app allows users to edit an incorrect identification (01:55), which can help improve the AI model over time and gives users more control.
- Photo Editing Tools: Simple but useful photo rotation and cropping tools (01:12) ensure the best possible image is submitted for analysis.
- Actionable Next Step: A prominent 'Local Pest Control' button (02:08) provides a clear, practical next step for users dealing with unwanted insects.
Monetization & growth
The app employs an aggressive, multi-layered monetization strategy. During onboarding, it presents a paywall (00:19) for weekly or annual plans, encouraging users to start a 3-day free trial. An unusual growth tactic appears even earlier, with a prompt for a 5-star rating at 00:11, before the user has used the core feature. Most notably, immediately after a user subscribes to the trial, a second, different paywall appears at 00:43, offering a 50% discount on a lifetime subscription. This attempts to upsell users at their highest point of commitment.
Who it’s for
This app is for anyone curious about the insects they encounter, from gardeners and hikers to homeowners and parents with inquisitive children. It serves both the educational user who wants to learn more about nature and the practical user who needs to identify a potential pest and find a solution. The inclusion of pest control services suggests a focus on users dealing with infestations.
Notes & opportunities
The onboarding flow feels somewhat disjointed and aggressive. Asking for a rating before delivering value is risky, and the immediate post-subscription upsell could feel jarring. The app could improve by first demonstrating its powerful identification tool and then presenting the subscription offer. This would build trust and better justify the cost. Additionally, the initial insect results screen could load photos more quickly to provide a smoother experience.