Acoustic (and light-based) monitoring systems have some relevant application contexts: ultrasound is perfect for detecting bats because they use it to navigate. And sound is also great for birds… because they communicate by singing.
Among insects, sound is great for detecting crickets and grasshoppers. If it’s very close, sound can also detect a buzzing mosquito or large bumblebee.
But we have no idea what most insects sound like. Can you even hear a butterfly? Most insects don’t make distinctive sounds, making it impossible to identify species even in ideal conditions that lack the noise of wind, roads, or heavy machinery.
Sensibee uses photos
Actually identify species
Visual monitoring leverages the same characteristics taxonomists use - wing patterns, body shape, and colouration.
Verifiable evidence
Each Sensibee® identification is backed by an actual image that you or an expert can verify, providing unmatched confidence that what we’re reporting is real.
Taxonomic range
The UK hosts 1,500+ pollinator species, and there are many more beyond. Sensibee®’s AI provides identification at appropriate taxonomic levels (family, genus, and species where possible), offering much more detailed information than systems that can only count or detect limited groups (e.g., large vs. small, fast vs. slow).
Best wishes,
The Sensibee team 🐝