Fast Answer
Insect Catching is a D.G. Level 6 hobby taught by Naniwa. It uses the Bubble Net, a tool that catches bugs by trapping them in bubbles. The hobby is calmer than cooking or fishing, but rare bugs can still be worth good gold.
The main rule is simple: move slowly. Running at insects scares them away. Use a quick bubble for close bugs and a charged bubble when you need a careful shot.
D.G. Level 6
Reach D.G. Level 6 and keep a Hobby Expansion Ticket ready before choosing this hobby.
Find Naniwa
Naniwa teaches the hobby and gives you the Bubble Net. The source guide places them near the river garden.
Bubble Net
Tap for a quick bubble, or hold to slow down, aim, and release a charged bubble.
Watch weather
Some insects need rain or rainbow weather, so check the smartwatch forecast before a rare-bug route.
How To Unlock
- Raise your D.G. level to 6 with story progress and Daily Resident Requests.
- Save a Hobby Expansion Ticket. The source guide notes tickets from early D.G. levels such as 2, 3, and 5.
- Visit Naniwa near the river garden.
- Finish the short intro and receive the Bubble Net.
- Practice on easy nearby insects before chasing rare ones.
Catching Basics
Bubble Net Routine
- Equip the Bubble Net from your toolbox.
- Walk toward the insect slowly.
- Use a quick bubble for nearby bugs.
- Hold the action button for a charged bubble when the bug is farther away.
- Release when the bubble path lines up.
- Keep one of each new insect for collection before selling extras.
Bug spawns depend on location, time, weather, and your Insect Catching level. A higher level can add rarer bugs to the spawn pool.
| Factor | What To Check |
|---|---|
| Location | Forests, Flower Field, Onsen Mountain, beach areas, ruins, and special event spots |
| Time | Day, night, all day, or a narrow window such as midnight to morning |
| Weather | Sunny, rainy, rainbow, or weather-specific event rules |
| Level | Some rare insects need higher Insect Catching levels |
Useful Bugs To Know
The source guide separates butterflies, moths, and beetles. Use these examples as a planning list, then check the in-game database for exact spawn updates.
| Insect | Type | Where | Time | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Blue Butterfly | Butterfly | Town Square, Central Area | All day | Sunny or rainy |
| Peacock Butterfly | Butterfly | Windmill Flower Field | All day | Sunny or rainy |
| Blue Morpho Butterfly | Butterfly | Flower Field, Spirit Oak Forest | 6 AM - 6 PM | Sunny |
| Sulkowsky’s Morpho | Butterfly | Inflatable Insect Attractor | All day | Any listed source weather |
| Green Tiger Beetle | Beetle | Onsen Mountain | All day | Sunny or rainy |
| Golden Stag Beetle | Beetle | Spirit Oak Pine Forest | All day | Sunny |
| Hercules Beetle | Beetle | Forest Deer Tower | 6 PM - 6 AM | Sunny |
| Rainbow Stag Beetle | Beetle | Bait the Insects event, ruins | All day | Special or rainbow route |
Rainbow Weather Targets
Rainbow days are special. Check the smartwatch weather app and make a route before the day starts.
| Target | Type | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Stag Beetle | Beetle | Deep Forest | 12 AM - 6 AM |
| Silver Jewel Beetle | Beetle | Forest | Any time |
| Golden Jewel Beetle | Beetle | Forest | Any time |
| Alpine Longhorn Beetle | Beetle | Forest Island | Any time |
| Glasswing Butterfly | Butterfly | Flower Field | 6 AM - 12 PM |
| Blue Morpho Butterfly | Butterfly | Flower Field | 6 AM - 6 PM |
Rainbow Stag Beetle is the tightest target in the source guide because it needs a short time window. Plan that one first.
Sell Prices And Upgrades
Sell extra insects to Albert Jr. Higher star ratings sell for more, so do not judge a bug only by its 1-star price.
| Insect | 1 Star | 2 Star | 3 Star | 4 Star | 5 Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Brimstone | 30 | 45 | 60 | 120 | 240 |
| Sulkowsky’s Morpho | 90 | 135 | 180 | 360 | 720 |
| Peacock Butterfly | 90 | 135 | 180 | 360 | 720 |
| Blue Shieldbug | 110 | 165 | 220 | 440 | 880 |
| Chestnut Tiger | 150 | 225 | 300 | 600 | 1200 |
| Rainbow Stag Beetle | 440 | 660 | Unconfirmed | Unconfirmed | Unconfirmed |
Netting Skill
Improves Bubble Net range so you can catch insects from farther away.
Insect Quality
Raises your chance of higher-star insects.
Net Maintenance
Improves net durability for longer catching trips.
Double Catch
Can give two insects from one successful catch.
Inflatable Insect Attractor
The Inflatable Insect Attractor is a single-use item from Naniwa. The source guide lists it at 2,000 Gold or 1 Wishing Star, with Insect Catching Level 4 required.
Use it in an insect-heavy location such as Onsen Mountain, Fishing Village, or another area with spawn points. It can lure rare bugs, including Sulkowsky’s Morpho, which the source guide marks as attractor-exclusive.
Bait The Insects Event
The source guide lists Bait the Insects as a special event route for D.G. Level 8 players who already have Insect Catching. It happens around Onsen Mountain and Crater Lake, and rewards can include rare insects, Contribution Medals, and event prizes.
Check the in-game schedule before planning around it.
Common Questions
Is Insect Catching good for gold?
It can be, especially with high-star rare bugs, but it is usually calmer and less direct than cooking.
What should I do on rainbow days?
Prioritize rainbow-only insects first, especially those with short time windows.
Should I sell rare insects right away?
Keep at least one for collection progress before selling extras.
Why did the insect run away?
You probably moved too fast or got too close. Approach slowly and use a charged bubble.