Bugs & Critters
Insects and other wild critters are available around Zephyr Town to catch for free. These items can then be sold at the bazaar or given as gifts; they can't be eaten or cooked to restore stamina. Insects are categorized as common (green bag), uncommon (blue bag), and rare (brown bag). The rarer the bug, the more money you'll receive when sold at the bazaar. You can sell bugs directly to Miguel at his store in Zephyr Town, but you miss out on any bonus profit from using bug-themed booth decor. Miguel's shop also doesn't influence bazaar ranks.
Villagers that like bugs as gifts include:
- All bugs: Kevin and Lloyd
- Butterflies: Diana and Maple
- Cicadas: Isaac
- Fireflies: Laurie and Miguel
- Horned Beetles: Derek, Felix, and Wilbur
- Stag Beetles: Samir
- Frogs: June
Insects require a gentle approach when collecting. If you're using a controller, gently tilt the directional stick to make the farmer slowly walk (rather than full-tilt to run). If you are using a keyboard/mouse, hold down the Left Control button while running to enable walk mode.
To catch, get close to the critter and then press the Interact button (B on controllers, Enter on keyboard/mouse). Some insects will require a leap in the air and then pressing the Interact command to catch. If you leap in the wrong direction, the flying insect could escape. You don't need to obtain a bug net; simply use your hands.
Insects will reappear in their designated areas during the time they're scheduled to be there. While the original DS version of Grand Bazaar had insects regenerating at the top of the hour (1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, etc.), this version of the game seems to be a bit more random.
As they appear during their designated times, they also disappear. I've watched a pack of grasshoppers fly away as soon as the time hit 6:00 pm.
Star Rank
Increasing star rank with the bugs is possible by donating bugs to Nature Sprite Penny. You'll find her around Cafe Madeleine, either on the ground by the outdoor tables or walking around on the roof. When she is on the roof, you'll need to double-jump from the ledge next to Felix's house onto the roof of the cafe. It takes a bit of practice to get the timing right - I would regularly fall behind the Cafe at first - but eventually you'll get better at reaching Penny.
Before you can offer bugs to Penny, your bazaar needs to be Rank 2 (Village Bazaar), you received the Glider, and you've visited the Nature Sprite's house per their instructions.
At first, all bugs have a Star Rank of 0.5. Raise the rank by giving caught common bugs to Penny. Every 4 donation levels will increase the Star Rank of the captured insects by half a star. The higher your Quality Boost level, the more offerings it takes to reach the next level. You can give her rare bugs too, but those may be best reserved for selling at the bazaar.
Titles
You will receive awards for completing stages in the Bug Collecting section of the farmer's Titles, located in Overview section of the main menu. Mayor Felix will send a letter, and the reward, for completing each of the title criteria.
- Bug Chaser: Catch a total of 100 bugs and critters. Receive 1 Chamomile Tea (1-Star). Eat it to learn the Chamomile Tea Recipe.
- Bug Monarch: Catch a total of 500 bugs and critters. Receive the Lovely Flower Display large decor item for the bazaar stall.
- Bug Fanatic: Catch a total of 30 bugs and critters in one day. Receive 3 Gold Medals.
- Bug Collector: Catch 10 different types of bugs and critters. Receive 1 Steamed Muffin (2-Star). Eat it to learn the Steamed Muffin Recipe.
- Entomologist: Catch 30 different types of bugs and critters. Receive the Stylish Bug Flag large decor item for the bazaar stall.
Bug Encyclopedia
You can find an archive of the bugs you have discovered inside the farmhouse bookshelf. There are a total of 47 bug types to collect. The Profit listed below is the base that Star Rank is calculated from (0.5-Stars).
Grasshoppers
Hop hop! These fellows jump all over and can sometimes be a pain when they hop away while you're trying to collect them. Little buggers! Be patient and wait for them to stop jumping. The bug might also hop back in your direction.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Smallhead Locust Common |
All Seasons Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Every area |
40 G |
 Migratory Locust Common |
Autumn Winter Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Equestrian Park: contest platform center area |
90 G |
 Pigmy Grasshopper Uncommon |
Spring Summer Autumn Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Zephyr Town: The path behind the Sunnywood Hotel Zephyr Town: Along the path to the Nature Sprite house Zephyr Town: Along the path from the farm to the western bridge |
400 G |
 Thorny Grasshopper Rare |
Spring Summer Autumn Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
6:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) Mountains: By the bridge near the Mushroom Logs Mountains: West of the the Beekeeping Field Mountains: In the southwest corner |
1800 G |
Ladybugs
These common bugs look like red dots on the ground. Simply slowly walk up to the dot and pick it up. The yellow variety is a bit harder to find. During autumn, the yellow bug blends in with the brown ground.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Seven-Spotted Ladybug Common |
All seasons Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Farm: In the western crop Field Expansion area Equestrian Park: Around the two ponds and by the entrance |
70 G |
 Ruby Ladybug Common |
All seasons Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Zephyr Town: All over the place Bazaar: Along the path to the Nature Sprite Stall Bazaar: In the grassy area by the flowerbeds |
60 G |
 Yellow Ladybug Rare |
Spring Summer Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Mountains: In the central and southern areas |
1000 G |
Bees
This insect can appear after your bazaar reaches Rank 3 (Village Bazaar). After helping Arata set up his own Heavy Lifting stall, he'll offer to construct a Beekeeping Field for 10,000 G. Once completed, placing herbs, wildflowers, or farm-grown flowers in the space will generate honeycomb inside the beehive. This wild Bee is a different size and color than the bees surrounding the beehive that indicate honeycomb is in the works. You may have to jump/catch this fellow.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bee Common |
All seasons Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountains: Above the flowers planted for the Beehives |
180 G |
Hermit Crabs
There is only one crustacian in the game, which lives in the mountain area. This critter is bright orange and easy to spot. You still need to walk slowly to reach it, as any fast movements will cause the crab to skedaddle as fast as it can. You wouldn't think a crab could be that fast, but it is!
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hermit Crab Common |
Spring Summer Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
6:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountains: Near Arata's lean-to tent Mountains: By the Mushroom Logs Mountains: Near the hilltop pond |
150 G |
Butterflies
These pretty insects flutter around in the sky, requiring a jump to catch. Sometimes even a double jump! They are quick to flee if you run up to them too fast.
The Helena Butterfly requires both the Beekeeping Fields, which are available to construct once you reach bazaar Rank 3 (Beekeeping Field: 10,00 G) and then again at bazaar Rank 4 (Beekeeping Expansion: 50,000 G). Fill the field area with flowers to entice the rare butterfly to appear.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Cabbage White Butterfly Common |
Spring Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Farm: All over the place Mountains: All over the place Zephyr Town: So many white butterflies... |
50 G |
 Swallowtail Butterfly Common |
Spring Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Bazaar: All over the place Mountains: In wide spaces (scenic lookout area, by Arata's lean-to tent, etc.) |
100 G |
 Pale Clouded Butterfly Common |
Spring Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Bazaar: By the statue, the northern walkway, and the flowerbed Zephyr Town: All over the place |
80 G |
 Emperor Butterfly Uncommon |
Spring Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Farm: In the northwest Extra Field Expansion area |
500 G |
 Black Swallowtail Butterfly Uncommon |
Spring Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Spring 10 to 19 only Mountains: All over the place |
600 G |
 Helena Butterfly |
Spring Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Spring 20 to 25 only Mountains: Above the flowers planted for the Beehives in the Bigger Beekeeping Expansion (200,000 G) |
1000 G |
Cicadas
Squaaa squaaaa squaaaa, these summertime insects are loud and obnixous. They can be found during the day, clinging to trees and flying away when you run by. To catch, walk up to the tree until the command to catch appears.
For the Higurashi Cicada, there is a 2-hour nighttime window when this insect is accessible. Be cautious of the spot by the hotel, as it sits on the tree trunks right by where you would land when jumping up to the path. You may have better success by reaching the cliff from the jump barrel by Jules/Derek's house and then walking along the path until you reach the trees.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Brown Cicada Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Summer 1 to 20 only Farm: On the tree by the benches in the pasture area |
100 G |
 Opal Cicada Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Zephyr Town: On the trees next to the west bridge and east bridge |
110 G |
 Robust Cicada Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Summer 1 to 20 only Mountains: The tree north of the entrance Mountains: The tree by where Webby hangs out Mountains: The tree by the center bridge |
140 G |
 Ezo Cicada Uncommon |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Summer 21 to 31 only Farm: On the tree in the western crop Field Expansion area |
600 G |
 Evening Cicada Uncommon |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Zephyr Town: On the trees by the western waterfall (behind Finley) Zephyr Town: On the trees behind Sunnywood Hotel |
800 G |
 Grass Cicada Rare |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 9:00 am, Summer 21 to 31 only Mountains: The tree by the center bridge/mushroom logs |
2000 G |
Horned Beetles
These night time insects will appear on tree trunks during summer. You need to slowly walk up to the tree until you can get close enough to snag the bug.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Rhinoceros Beetle Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
7:00 pm to 5:00 am Farm: On the tree in the southeast corner of the pasture |
120 G |
 Elephant Beetle Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
7:00 pm to 5:00 am Zephyr Town: On the trees next to the west bridge and east bridge |
150 G |
 Hercules Beetle Uncommon |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
12:00 am (midnight) to 5:00 am, Summer 1 to 15 only Mountains: On the tree behind where Honey hangs out |
800 G |
 Maya Beetle Uncommon |
Summer Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
6:00 pm to 5:00 am Farm: On the tree next to the farmhouse storage entrance |
900 G |
 Granti Beetle Rare |
Summer Rainy |
8:00 pm to 12:00 am (midnight), Summer 20 to 31 only Mountains: On the tree next to the hilltop pond |
2800 G |
Stag Beetles
Similar to horned beetles, these guys appear at night on tree trunks. slowly walk up to the tree until you're close enough to catch.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Stag Beetle Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
7:00 pm to 5:00 am, Summer 1 to 25 only Farm: On the tree in the northwest corner of the pasture area |
150 G |
 Giant Stag Beetle Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
8:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) Mountains: On the trees by the Mushroom Logs Mountains: On the trees in the southwest corner Mountains: On the trees in the center area |
200 G |
 Glossy Stag Beetle Rare |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
7:00 pm to 12:00 am (midnight), Summer 1 to 20 only Farm: In the northern crop Extra Field Expansion area |
2000 G |
Fireflies
The floating lights that appear at night during summer aren't all for decoration. While the sparkles at the foot of the waterfall by the yellow windmill are just for looks, other floating dots are actually summertime fireflies. These bugs softly hover up and down in the air, so use a gentle jump/catch to grab them. A large group of Black Fireflies will appear every night just south of Gabriel's workshop. Rare fireflies give off a lot of light.
The Princess Firefly is above the pond in the Nature Sprite Shop at the bazaar. This lightning bug doesn't blink as often as other fireflies, so it might not appear to be there initially. Recommend waiting a moment to see if it appears before you leave.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Genji Firefly Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
4:00 pm to 5:00 am Mountains: The pond by Arata's lean-to tent Mountains: The stream by the center bridge Mountains: Around the hilltop pond |
70 G |
 Black Firefly Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 pm to 5:00 am Zephyr Town: All over the place next to a water source |
150 G |
 Heike Firefly Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
6:00 pm to 5:00 am Equestrian Park: By the two ponds |
90 G |
 Brown Firefly Common |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
8:00 pm to 4:00 am, Summer 15 to 31 only Zephyr Town: By the fountain by the bazaar entrance Zephyr Town: The pond next to Felix's house Zephyr Town: Along the path to the Nature Sprite house Zephyr Town: Above the waterfall (req. Glider access) |
180 G |
 Princess Firefly Uncommon |
Summer Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
5:00 pm to 5:00 am Bazaar: At the pond by the Nature Sprite Shop |
500 G |
 Large Dotted Firefly Rare |
Summer Sunny Cloudy |
5:00 pm to 5:00 am, Summer 15 to 25 only Mountains: The pond by Arata's lean-to tent Mountains: The stream by the center bridge Mountains: By the hilltop pond |
1100 G |
Dragonflies
These little buggers zip around in the air until they eventually pause. You'll need to jump and catch while they're still. You can get lucky and catch them mid-flight, but there's a greater chance that they're startle and escape. Best to just wait until they're still, then walk/jump/catch before they zip off in another direction.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Red Dragonfly Common |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Farm: All over the place Mountains: All over the place Equestrian Park: In the platform center area, and by the two pond |
80 G |
 Yellow Damselfly Common |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Zephyr Town: All over the place |
90 G |
 Jumbo Dragonfly Uncommon |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Equestrian Park: By the two ponds |
700 G |
 Emperor Dragonfly Rare |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
12:00 pm (noon) to 5:00 am, Autumn 16 to 31 only Mountains: Near the Mushroom Logs Mountains: In the center area Mountains: At the hilltop pond Mountains: In the southwest corner |
1800 G |
Crickets
These night time creatures will have a louder chirp than the typical, ambiance background sounds you hear during summertime. They will stay in place until they are startled (and flee) or are captured. Each crickets has a distinct noise. You soon may be able to tell which cricket is nearby just by listening to the sounds.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bell Cricket Common |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 pm to 5:00 am Farm: On the western side of the area Farm: In front of the farm house |
90 G |
 Pine Cricket Common |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy |
6:00 pm to 5:00 am Zephyr Town: All over the place (Note: This cricket matches the brown color of the dirt paths) |
80 G |
 Cricket Rare |
Autumn Sunny Cloudy Rainy |
6:00 am to 5:00 am (i.e., all day) Mountains: Next to the entrance by the bridge Mountains: In the center area |
1600 G |
Hanging Things
This single insect hangs from the tree branches near the Nature Sprite House. You'll need to wait for a double-dot (strong winds) or triple-dot (storm) to reach the location from the jump barrel on the east side of Zephyr Town. If you see a dark-brown pinecone hanging from a tree branch, slowly walk up and then double-jump to capture.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bagworm Moth Common |
Winter Sunny Cloudy Snowy |
6:00 am to 5:00 am (i.e., all day) Zephyr Town: Along the path to the Nature Sprite house |
200 G |
Frogs
These creatures appear during wet conditions. Their green bodies are fairly easy to spot, plus they make a croaking sound when you're close by.
| Name | Season/ Weather | Location | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Tree Frog Common |
Spring Summer Autumn Rainy |
6:00 am to 5:00 am Equestrian Park: By the two ponds Zephyr Town: Along the path from the farm to the town bridge |
80 G |
 White-Lipped Tree Frog Common |
Spring Summer Autumn Rainy |
6:00 am to 5:00 am Mountains: Next to the entrance by the bridge Mountains: Near Arata's lean-to tent Mountains: By the Mushroom Logs Mountains: Near the hilltop pond |
120 G |
 Yellow Tree Frog Common |
Summer Autumn Rainy |
6:00 am to 5:00 am Farm: In the western crop Field Expansion area |
180 G |
 Spotted Frog Rare |
Summer Hurricane |
6:00 am to 5:00 am Mountains: Near the hilltop pond |
2500 G |