By Mira Chen — Bug catching was the hobby I ignored for the longest time. On my first account I did not touch it until week 4. Big mistake. Rare beetles sell for over 1,000 gold each, and seasonal butterflies are some of the prettiest collection items in the game. Here is what I learned after actually committing to it on my second account.
[IMG: Luna standing in the northeastern forest clearing — she is next to the old oak tree on the dirt path. She gives you your starter net.]
The Number One Rule: Walk, Do Not Run
I scared away roughly 20 rare bugs on my first week of bug catching because I ran everywhere. Insects in Heartopia have a detection radius. If you run, they detect you from about 4 tiles away and vanish. If you walk, you can get within 1-2 tiles before they notice. The difference is the difference between catching a 1,200 gold Golden Stag Beetle and watching it disappear.
I lost a Rainbow Butterfly on my first account because I sprinted toward it. I still think about that butterfly.
Where Bugs Actually Spawn
Not “near flowers” or “in the forest.” Specific locations matter.
Butterflies and bees: gardens with at least 3 different flower types planted. I tested this. Plant roses, tulips, and daisies together and butterflies appear within about 5 minutes. Plant only one flower type and almost nothing spawns.
Beetles: old tree stumps, specifically the ones that are darker in color (they have a slightly different texture). There are 5 of these stumps in the forest area. I memorized their locations after about an hour of hunting.
Dragonflies: near still water, specifically the small pond north of the garden area and the edges of the main lake. Dragonflies appear from 8 AM to 5 PM on clear days only.
Fireflies: along riverbanks at night, 8 PM to 4 AM, summer only. These are actually beautiful to watch even if you are not catching them.
The Luna Moth (My White Whale)
The Luna Moth is the rarest bug I have caught. It spawns in the deep forest from 8 PM to 4 AM, summer only, on clear nights. I spent 4 real-life nights camping the same forest clearing before one finally appeared. It sold for 800 gold unprocessed. I framed the first one in my house instead of selling it because after 4 nights of hunting, it felt earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best net to buy? The Standard Net at 400 gold is fine for your first month. The Pro Net at 1,500 gold adds a rare bug shimmer effect that makes hunting significantly easier. Buy the Pro Net when you start hunting rare species.
When is the best time for bug catching? Summer nights for rare beetles and moths. Spring mornings for butterflies. Sunny days for dragonflies. Winter is dead for bug catching — only 3 indoor species exist.
Should I sell or keep rare bugs? Keep the first one of each species for your collection. Sell duplicates. The first Golden Stag Beetle I caught is still in my display case.
How do I catch bugs that are high up on trees? Switch to first-person view (the game has one, it is in settings). It gives you better vertical aim for bugs on tree trunks and high branches.
Mira finally caught a Luna Moth after 4 nights of camping and will never sell it. Bug hunting tips daily at discord.gg/heartopia-players.