16th - 22nd November Bugs in My Backyard Week

Bugs in My Backyard Week kicks off between 16–22 November, so now's the perfect time to download the iNaturalist app, join the Bugs in My Backyard 2026 project, and get ready to go bug hunting! It is a national citizen science campaign run by Invertebrates Australia and the Invasive Species Council. Australians are invited to explore their backyards, school grounds and local parks to discover the fascinating insects, spiders, snails and other tiny creatures that keep our environment healthy.

 

All you need to do is snap photos of bugs and upload them to iNaturalist.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the free iNaturalist app

2. Join the Bugs in My Backyard Week 2026 project

3. Head outside between 16-22 November and snap photos of the insects, spiders, snails and worms you find.

4. Upload your sightings to the app!

Why it matters: About 70% of Australia’s invertebrates are still unknown to science Invasive bugs like fire ants and shot-hole borers arrive as hitchhikers and spread unnoticed. More eyes on the ground means we catch new incursions sooner.

Identifying Australian bugs can be done with a book such as this one:

or this

or with younger children revisit and have fun with these: