Frequently Asked Questions

How can I maximize accuracy when using BeeMachine?
Computer vision is remarkably robust to low-quality images, which is good because bees are really hard to photograph! However, as with people, the algorithms do better with well-focused images and unobstructed views of bees. Therefore, upload your highest quality images. Images taken in profile or from above do a little better than images head-on or from below. Look for consistent predictions by comparing the results of multiple images taken of the same individual. The algorithm seems to handle the JPEG file format better than PNG, so upload your images as JPEGs for best results.

What if I’m not sure if the insect in my photo is actually a bee?
BeeMachine knows the difference between bees, flies, wasps, beetles, and butterfies/moths! More categories will be coming soon.

What file types are supported and what is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
JPEGs provide more accurate results. Files can be up to 10 MB but files over 1 MB may take a little longer to process.

What is next for BeeMachine?
BeeMachine is in active development so check back for new features and updates. We frequently update the classification model to increase accuracy and include more bee species in more regions of the world.

Can I contribute images to help improve BeeMachine?
Yes! If you would like to donate images of pinned specimens or bees in the field, please contact me via email: beemachineai@gmail.com.