Identify a plant, bug or mystery object from a photo

Fix it yourself in 3 steps

1. Take 2 or 3 clear photos in good light: the whole thing, a close-up of the key detail (leaves and stem, the bug's back and legs, any label or marking on the object), and something for size like a coin or ruler. Note where you found it and when.
2. Open the assistant, upload the photos and paste the prompt below with your notes. Read its top guesses and the features it used, then compare them against the details it asks you to check.
3. Confirm before you act. For plants and bugs, check a local extension office, a field guide or a pest pro; for parts, match the model number on the maker's site. If anyone may have eaten, touched or been bitten by it, call Poison Control or a doctor instead of relying on the AI.

Copy this prompt

Help me identify what's in these photos. What it is: [plant, bug, mushroom, object or part]. Where I found it: [city or region, indoors or outdoors, what it was on or near]. Size: [rough size or the coin or ruler in the photo]. Why I'm asking: [curious, is it a pest, is it safe around pets or kids, what is this part for]. Rules: 1) Give your top 3 guesses, most likely first, with how sure you are (high, medium or low) and the visible features behind each guess. 2) If the photos aren't clear enough, say so and tell me exactly which angle or detail to photograph next, then wait. 3) Never tell me something is safe to eat, touch or use on a person or pet. For mushrooms, berries, snakes, spiders or anything that might be poisonous, say that a photo ID isn't enough and point me to Poison Control, a vet or a local expert. 4) For objects or parts, tell me what markings or model numbers to look for so I can confirm on the maker's site. 5) List 2 ways I can double-check your answer. Then stop and wait for my next photo or question.

Type your details in the boxes above the message, then tap Copy & open. Leave a box empty if you're not sure.

Tips from people who've done it

• One sharp close-up beats five blurry ones. Tap to focus on the detail that matters, like the leaf edge, the wing pattern or the stamped part number.
• Add your region. The same-looking plant or bug can be harmless in one place and invasive or venomous in another.
• If the assistant is not sure, ask what single detail would settle it and go photograph that.
• Never eat a wild plant, berry or mushroom because an AI or app named it. Mistakes with look-alikes can be deadly.

Agents people used for this: Grok Bot, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude.