Insects that gather restorative nectar from Vitalilies and store it in their abdomens. While the flowers and nectar have similar properties, the latter can be scattered in large quantities to produce a lingering, continual healing effect. There’s a rise in the Vigorwasp population during the Plenty, when Vitalilies flourish.

Large wasps that carry more nectar at a higher concentration. This boosts the range and potency of the nectar’s restorative effects. They are most prevalent during the Plenty, when the Vigorwasps have learned the nectar will be more plentiful. They are sometimes sighted in groups.

Insects that store nectar in their abdomens with restorative, detoxifying, and deodorizing properties. Since the effects are different from a Vigorwasp’s, it is believed that this species collects ingredients from medicinal plants other than Vitalilies. However, based on ongoing research, it has been found that enzymes in their bodies could also play a role.

Insects that flash when struck. Usually, they live solitary existences with too faint a flicker to even notice. In caves or the dark of night, they form colonies where their light is more intense; striking them causes them to shine even brighter. On hunts, they can be used like flash bombs to blind and disorient monsters.

Insects that habitually roll up monster dung. They bring it back to their underground nests not just for food, but to lay eggs on and feed their larvae. They’re the faces of feces across the land: nature’s diligent decomposers. The compacted dung pods formed by their efforts can be used as Slinger ammo. It’s foul enough to send even large monsters running for fresh air—a useful trick when you’re outnumbered.

Beetles that roll around explosive rocks. Because both these rocks and their habitat are extremely hot, their bodies have evolved to withstand heat. It’s yet unclear what they do with the rocks once they get back to their nests, but some theorize that they are fed to the beetles’ young.

Beetles that gather up snow. Their snowballs can be used as Frostburst Ammo. Due to their ecology, Icebeetles are limited to cold habitats and are more tolerant of cold than other insects. No one knows why they roll their snowballs back to their nests. Some theorize it’s to grow the organic matter they feed on, while others think it could be related to reproductive behavior.

Rime Beetles can be found during any time or season, however, you’ll find more during the season of Plenty. In general, Area 2 has the most Rime Beetles, but you can find them in almost every area. If you need help with how to manipulate the time of day and environment, check out our How to Skip Time and Change Weather guide.

Samin’s Research Report Cont. is a side quest in Monster Hunter Wilds where you’ll be tasked with capturing a “Rime Beetle” iconRime Beetle. Visit our Rime Beetle Location - Samin’s Research Report Cont. Quest Guide for a little more help tracking them down and tips for catching them.

Insects that wear healing herbs like cloaks, initiating a fermentation process that creates a nectar with similar restorative properties. Collecting the cloak by hand or with the Hook Slinger will restore health. The cloak stores nutrients but can be shed in a pinch as a distraction to defend against predators.

Insects that live in extremely hot environments. They wrap themselves in a case of plant matter—much like their mantle bug brethren—but the plants they use have cooling properties, allowing them to withstand heat. They are able to survive without the casing by burrowing underground.

Insects that live in extremely cold environments. They wrap themselves in plant matter—much like their mantle bug brethren—but they use plants with heating properties, such as hot peppers, to mitigate the cold. They can live on the surface thanks to this, but if uncloaked they must burrow underground to survive.

Insects that thrive in rotting wood and soil due to their diet of plants and rotting leaves. Consuming them will increase stamina and halve its depletion rate. Their high nutritional value makes them a common snack for some monsters.

Nocturnal hornets with strong defensive instincts. When they sense danger, they use a luminous organ to illuminate the area to check for threats, if one is spotted, they attack relentlessly with their poisonous stingers. Unlike other endemic life, Dark Hornets will readily attack large monsters that disturb their nests. Their diet also doesn’t stimulate honey production, so hunters are better off steering clear.

A large colony of Thunderbugs that reproduced rapidly as a result of the sandstorm lightning. A population this dense can produce enough current to stop even large monsters in their tracks. Since Thunderbugs are the fuel behind shock traps, there’s merit to trying to lead large monsters into the colony as a way to gain the upper hand.

Insects with robust shells that can withstand most lesser impacts. They cling firmly to walls and other surfaces, making them excellent latching points for the Slinger, whether it’s to get around or simply to hang out indefinitely. However, a Wedge Beetle in flight can only bear the weight for a limited time, so it’s best to latch on briefly to gain some height.

Insects capable of discharging small amounts of electricity. They are drawn to electrical sources, particularly the fulgurite formed by lightning strikes. Thunderbug materials can be used to craft many useful tools such as shock traps and Thunder Ammo.

Insects that emit strong bursts of light in response to external factors. It was long believed that blunt trauma or death were the triggers, but this theory has been rejected. It is now thought that some constituent element of their body fluid vaporizes and produces the flash. In any case, their materials are highly prized for their utility in items like Slinger flash pods.

Insects that are claimed by some tomes and oral histories to live for a thousand years. No such specimens have been discovered, but studies of the Godbug’s tissue prove that they do enjoy significant longevity. Their body fluids have diffusive properties that can be combined with other items to create powders with the same attributes.

Insects whose bitter extracts are used for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. In addition to promoting natural healing, disinfecting, and mitigating poisons, they also boost the efficacy of other medicines, making them highly useful. That said, by themselves they have little effect and taste extremely bitter, so it’s best to consider them an ingredient, not a solution in their own right.

Forest ants known for forming ranks and carrying leaves. Their sharp mandibles consist of a sharp edge for cutting and a separate apparatus for bending the leaves back behind their heads for easy carrying. Leaflugger Ants use these leaves as substrates to grow fungi, their primary sustenance. As it turns out, the leaves also have medicinal properties, making them useful to hunters.

Insects that feed on dead flesh and serve as decomposers in the ecosystem. They use the bristles on their forelegs and joints to sweep organic matter from the carrion. When they’re not feeding on dead monsters, they can usually be found lurking in between rocks or other places the sun doesn’t reach.

Huge grasshoppers that have fully earned their name. Their powerful hind legs allow them to jump long distances and escape in a pinch. If you rustle through the grass—their usual hiding spot—you’re bound to see at least one Emperor Hopper spring away. Grass fires throw them into a panic, a situation that certain other hungry creatures might be eager to take advantage of.

A phase mutation of the Emperor Hopper. Their bodies are reddish-black and are more ferocious. While Hoppers are usually herbivorous, this type feeds on carrion. Due to similarities across different regions, it is believed the mutation must occur in environments where plants are scarce. This causal relationship between a creature’s formative environment and its mutations has become a major subject of research.

Beetles with distinct horns extending from the head and pronotum. They are nocturnal and feed mainly on sap, which you can see if you observe tree trunks at night. The horns are used to compete for this food. They have wings, but their large size and heavy shells limit their flight capability. Since they buzz loudly while flying, you’ll have an easier time finding them if you keep your ears open.

A Hercudrome subspecies with a shiny, golden carapace. Very few of these have been found, and no one has figured out why the carapaces are gold. However, the sightings span several regions and these are classified as a subspecies, not just a color variation. Because of their beauty, they are in high demand among collectors.

A member of the Hercudrome family with an iridescent carapace. Its pronotum is large and developed, with three prominent horns. Unlike ordinary Hercudromes, these inhabit the Ruins of Wyveria. Alas, there have been precious few sightings. Most have been at dawn or dusk, so that might be the best time to attempt and capture one.

Flying insects that resemble four-leaf clovers. Resilient to any weather, they can be found day or night in nearly any climate at places where monsters aren’t likely to prowl. Which is a good indicator that an area is safe enough for a Pop-up Camp.

Butterflies that hatch during the Plenty and pupate near its close. Those that survive the harsh Fallow emerge during the following season of Plenty. They adapt their life cycle to the Scarlet Forest, so if a population hatches early, it may reach adulthood within the same season. They feed a variety of organisms, including insectivorous plants, making them a crucial, non-predatory part of the ecosystem.

Brightly colored beetles with impressive shells that fan outward. Each beetle’s coloring and shapes are different—and with their sparkle, it’s no wonder they’re likened to gems. They tend to be diurnal, gathering on the trunks of trees in hopes of getting a nip of sap.

The finest of Jewel Scarab specimens, with larger, more developed shells. They are found with the rest of their kind, feeding on sap, but are near impossible to spot. While Jewel Scarabs are known for variations in shape and color, the Regal variants are a bit harder to explain. Are they the result of a particular larval diet? An acquired mutation? Are they even the same species at all? Only more research will tell.

Master weavers that use webs to ensnare prey. You will often see butterflies and other insects caught in their webs, which is as big as a person and is equipped with an escape route for the Vaporonid in case predators approach. The silk used in the web is extremely sturdy and comes in handy if you need to make pitfall traps to ensnare a few monsters of your own.

Insects whose bellies glow yellow or red when they detect threats. Their resemblance to fossils seems to suggest that Omenflies have been around for quite a long time. The glowing seems to be a warning to enemies. Since Omenflies stay near the water, it is believed they keep their larvae in the water or in the moist soil nearby. Adults will stay airborne for the majority of their lives.

Insects found in areas with ample vegetation such as the heart of the Ruins of Wyveria. Petalflies have poor flight capabilities, but they can still use the wind to get around. The larvae live in water or on moist ground until they mature, while an adult’s short life span is spent reproducing. It has been suggested that the flowery fragrance the Petalflies give off may be a pheromone linked to mating.