Bug hunting isn’t exactly a staple of The Legend of Zelda, but the fact A Link to the Past included a Bug Net as one of Link’s main items set a precedent for Skyward Sword to run wild with. The Bug Net returns in Skyward Sword, but now there are more than just Bees or Fairies to catch.
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Bugs are one of the main collectibles in Skyward Sword and they’re needed if you want to infuse all the different Potions in the game. Considering how useful Infused Potions are, bug hunting is a must on Hero Mode and a big help for Skyward Sword’s harder second half in general.
Blessed Butterfly
Like most bugs, Blessed Butterflies are caught by using the Bug Net. Simply equip the Net, angle it so you can swing it through the bug you want to catch, but be careful to go slow. Fast movements will only serve to scare bugs away. Blessed Butterflies are the most common bugs in Skyward Sword, appearing in most areas including Skyloft.
Blessed Butterflies can be identified by their blue wings and the fact they usually flock together. Curiously, playing the Goddess Harp in front of some Blessed Butterflies usually leads to unlocking a Goddess Wall or Gossip Stone. Keep an eye out for those Blessed Butterflies. You never know what might be hiding under your nose.
Deku Hornet
Deku Hornets can be found down in the Deep Woods portion of Faron Woods. These hornets can be identified by their gold bodies and soft pink wings. In order to actually catch a Deku Hornet, you’ll need to spot one of their hives in the Deep Woods. Scout out trees and then roll into any that have Deku Hornet Hives in them.
Once the hive’s been knocked down, you’ll aggro the Deku Hornets. Quickly pull out your Bug Net and capture any that come your way. Keep in mind that Deku Hornets will actually sting Link if you don’t catch them fast enough and knocking down their hives also nets you some handy Hornet Larvae – two birds with one roll.
Eldin Roller
Eldin Rollers are a regular occurrence in the Eldin Volcano region, but they’re surprisingly difficult to catch if you don’t know what you’re doing. Eldin Rollers are very timid and will burrow underground the moment they feel your presence nearby. It’s important to walk slowly and to keep your Bug Net stable.
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To catch an Eldin Roller, keep your eyes peeled to the ground and aim your Bug Net downwards. Once you see one, very carefully sneak up on them and trap them in your net. Make sure not to make any sudden movements or they’ll flee immediately. Eldin Rollers can also be found in patches of dirt via the Digging/Mogma Mitts, but you still need to swap to your Bug Net to catch them.
Faron Grasshopper
Faron Grasshoppers can be found throughout Faron Woods in the Deep Woods, Sealed Grounds, and Sealed Temple. Unfortunately, they’re actually quite rare and are about as skittish as the Eldin Roller. You’ll need to very carefully sneak up on Faron Grasshopper. Any sudden movements whatsoever will scare them away.
Gerudo Dragonfly
Continuing the Eldin Roller and Faron Grasshopper’s trend, the Gerudo Dragonfly is another tricky bug that won’t just let you catch it. Not only is the Gerudo Dragonfly sensitive enough to sound that it’ll fly away once it senses you, it’s actually quite fast. You need to be quicker with the Bug Net than you do with other bugs.
Gerudo Dragonflies can only be found in the Gerudo Desert. Keep your eye on a Gerudo Dragonfly if you spot one and go slow, but not so slow where they’ll zip away. Have your Bug Net at the ready and try to catch them the instant you cut enough distance. Chances are you’ll miss your first few Dragonfly catches, but you’ll find a rhythm with some practice.
Lanayru Ant
Lanayru Ants are one of the most common bugs in the Lanayru region, appearing regularly throughout the Lanayru Mine, Lanayru Temple, and Temple of Time. Lanayru Ants are docile bugs that stick to the ground and generally don’t react to Link’s presence, a Goddesssend considering how hard Gerudo Dragonflies are to catch. Catching a Lanayru Ant is as simple as walking up to them with your Bug Net and dropping it down.
Sand Cicada
The Sand Cicada might be the single rarest bug in Skyward Sword, appearing exclusively in the Lanayru Desert. Not just that, Sand Cicadas can be shockingly difficult to catch. They react intensely to both sound and movement, giving you a very small window of opportunity to catch one. Sand Cicadas also cling themselves to walls, forcing you to come at them from unorthodox angles.
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Sand Cicadas can be identified by their gold-orange bodies along with loud sounds. Chirping is a good sign that there’s a Sand Cicada nearby. If you see one, quickly pull out your Bug Net, move methodically, and lock them down without making too much movement. The quicker you swing your Bug Net when in position, the better.
Sky Stag Beetle
Unlike most bugs, Sky Stag Beetles can actually be caught without the Bug Net. Sky Stag Beetles are found exclusively in Skyloft trees. They can be identified by their light blue bodies and are almost always clinging right to the middle of tree trunks. To catch a Sky Stag Beetle without a Net, simply roll into the tree and pick them up once they fall. Otherwise, position your Bug Net to swipe the Sky Stag Beetle off of their tree.
Skyloft Mantis
Skyloft Mantises can be found all throughout Skyloft and are one of the most common bugs in Skyward Sword. They hop around the scenery, but generally don’t run away from Link. Simply walk up to them with your Bug Net and swoop them in. Since Skyloft Mantises are so abundant, it’s unlikely you’ll ever run out so long as you regularly visit Skyloft.
Starry Firefly
Starry Fireflies are an incredibly unique bug that can only be found at night. This is especially notable since most areas in Skyward Sword are day-locked. The only areas you can catch Starry Fireflies are Skyloft, the Waterfall Cave, Beedle’s Island, and Pumpkin’s Landing (all at night, of course). Starry Fireflies will glow as they fly around and are very easy to spot.
Volcanic Ladybug
Volcanic Ladybugs appear regularly throughout Edlin Volcano and tend to fly up in the air if you get too close too quickly. Otherwise, however, Volcanic Ladybugs aren’t too difficult to catch. Their red bodies can be hard to spot against all the warm colors in Eldin, but they’re not the worst to track down once you know what you’re looking for. Sneak up on Volcanic Ladybugs carefully and then catch them with your Bug Net.
Woodland Rhino Beetle
Like Sky Stag Beetles, Woodland Rhino Beetles are another bug you don’t actually need a Bug Net for. Woodland Rhino Beetles can be found clinging to the walls in Faron Woods, Deep Woods, and the Sealed Grounds. Like with Sky Stag Beetles, simply roll into where they’re clinging to drop them down. You can pick up the Woodland Rhino Beetles with your hands, or the Bug Net if you'd like.
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