Agitha is looking for 24 Golden Bugs: twelve species, each with a male and a female. Collect the pairs on your travels through Hyrule and actually deliver the animals to her in Castle Town. The first insect and the complete collection will bring you bigger wallets.
With the Gale Boomerang or Clawshot you can bring high-sitting animals to you. Their glow and the bright noise make the search easier, especially in the dark. The Clawshot is an additional aid for high-sitting animals; the female snail will be reached on the second visit to the Sacred Grove on the way to Temple of Time. An area that is already known does not have to be complete immediately.
Game version: The route and screenshots follow the GameCube version. The normal mode of Twilight Princess HD has the same orientation; on Wii and in HD Hero Mode, left/right and east/west are swapped. HD deviations are at the affected step.
All Golden Bugs – the most important things at a glance
| Type | male | female | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinoceros Beetle | ✓ | ✓ | Hyrule Field at Faron |
| woodlice | ✓ | ✓ | Kakariko Valley |
| Ant | ✓ | ✓ | Kakariko |
| Grasshopper | ✓ | ✓ | Hyrule Field near Eldin |
| Stick insect | ✓ | ✓ | Bridge of Eldin |
| Praying Mantis | ✓ | ✓ | Great Bridge of Hylia |
| Butterfly | ✓ | ✓ | West of Castle Town |
| Stag Beetle | ✓ | ✓ | North of Castle Town |
| Ladybug | ✓ | ✓ | South of Castle Town |
| Dragonfly | ✓ | ✓ | Zora’s Domain / Upper reaches of the Zora River |
| Mayfly | ✓ | ✓ | Gerudo Desert |
| Auger | ✓ | ✓ | Sacred Grove / Temple of Time |
Recognize Golden Bugs and catch them more easily
You can recognize Golden Bugs from a distance by their eye-catching golden shimmer. Even more important, however, is the characteristic glittering or ringing sound, which becomes increasingly clear the closer Link gets to a specimen. The animals are generally also present during the day, but are much easier to spot at night because their golden bodies then stand out much more clearly from the dark surroundings. Searching at night is much more pleasant, especially for the mayflies in the Gerudo desert or the beetles that sit high up.
Many insects sit directly on the ground or on low tree trunks and can easily be collected. If a specimen is too far away, you should use the Gale Boomerang. It attracts most of the Golden Bugs directly to Link’s direction. Later the Clawshot or Double Clawshots also works excellently. This saves you a lot of trial and error, especially with rhinoceros beetles, praying mantises, stick insects and some butterflies.
Another useful identifier is gender. The male Golden Bugs predominantly have a greenish shimmer, while the female specimens appear more pink or reddish. In the collection screen you can check at any time which half of a pair you are still missing.
Tip: A Golden Bug that has already been collected can later respawn at its original Location. If you catch it again, the game will tell you that you already own this copy. So it won’t be missing from your collection again.
Agitha and the rewards for all 24 Golden Bugs
Once Castle Town is accessible, you can visit Princess Agitha. Her strikingly decorated “castle” is located on a side street in Castle Town. Agitha invited all the Golden Bugs Hyrule’s to a big ball, but none of her guests arrived. Link therefore takes on the task of tracking down all twelve couples and delivering them to her personally.
For the first insect of a species you get 50 Rupees. If you then hand over the second gender of the same pair, Agitha will reward you for this specimen with 100 Rupees. A complete pair brings a total of 150 Rupees. Since there are twelve pairs, insect hunting is also an excellent source of income for other expensive Side Quests.
| Progress | GameCube / Wii | Twilight Princess HD |
|---|---|---|
| First Golden Bug | Large Wallet – 600 Rupees | Large Wallet – 1,000 Rupees |
| 12 Golden Bugs | – | Agitha stamp |
| All 24 Golden Bugs | Maxi Wallet – 1,000 Rupees | Maxi Wallet – 2,000 Rupees |
You don’t have to give the insects away immediately after each discovery. Especially in GameCube and Wii, it’s even worth waiting to hand it over if your wallet is almost full. Otherwise, parts of Agitha’s ruby reward may be lost. For our optimized route, the first major visit to Agitha is recommended as soon as Castle Town is fully accessible.
Golden Bugs 1 & 2 – Rhinoceros Beetle in Hyrule Field at Faron
The two rhinoceros beetles can be collected very early and are therefore the perfect introduction to the Golden Bug collection. You can find her in the section of the Hyrule Field north of Faron Woods. It’s most convenient for us to take both with us after completing the Forest Temple because Link already has the Gale Boomerang. It is particularly helpful for the female specimen.
Golden Bug 1 – Rhinoceros Beetle ♂
If you come to the Hyrule Field from the direction of Faron, you first follow the main path to the north. There is a single large tree between the low hills. Examine its trunk and branches. The male rhinoceros beetle sits directly on the tree and is relatively easy to spot thanks to its golden shimmer. If it is low enough, you can simply step up and pick it up. If he sits a little higher or flies away, use the Gale Boomerang to get him to Link.
Golden Bug 2 – Rhinoceros Beetle ♀
Then follow the higher path through the same area of the Hyrule Field. The female counterpart sits on a rock edge or an elevated tree. The Rhinoceros Beetle Lady is out of normal range on the left, which is why the Gale Boomerang is the easiest solution. Stand so that you have a clear view of the golden glow on the tree, aim at the insect with the Boomerang and pull it towards you. This completes the first pair of Golden Bugs.
Progress: 2 of 24 Golden Bugs
You can collect the rhinoceros beetle pair completely immediately after the Forest Temple without any later detours.
Golden Bugs 3 & 4 – woodlice in Kakariko Valley
The next two Golden Bugs are in Kakariko Valley, i.e. in the section of the Hyrule Field south of Kakariko. Both woodlice crawl directly on the ground and can therefore be easily overlooked. Their glittering is much more noticeable at night, but as soon as you hear the characteristic noise, it’s worth taking a closer look at the grass.
Golden Bug 3 – Woodlouse ♂
Go to the large bridge in the center of Kakariko Valley. The male specimen is located immediately south of the bridge in the grass or on the open ground next to the path. Walk slowly through the area and look for the golden glow. Since the woodlice crawls on the ground, you can usually pick it up straight away. If she hides between tufts of grass, simply cut the grass away with the sword.
Golden Bug 4 – Woodlouse ♀
Then cross the bridge towards Kakariko. In the northern part of the valley, in the GameCube version or in HD normal mode, look for the group of trees and flowers east of the path. In the Wii version and in hero mode, the Location is mirrored on the other side. The female woodlice crawls between the flowers or in the grass under the trees. Cut away disturbing plants or use the Gale Boomerang if the animal keeps crawling away from you.
Progress: 4 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 5 & 6 – Ants in Kakariko
The third pair is directly in Kakariko. The two ants are among the easiest Golden Bugs in the entire game because no special items or puzzles are required. You can find one in the cemetery, the other even inside an abandoned house in the village.
Golden Bug 5 – Ant ♂
Go to the cemetery behind Kakariko and walk towards the grave of King Zora in the back area. Near a large tree right on the edge of the cemetery, the male ant is crawling on the roots or on the ground. Their glow is particularly noticeable at night. Just approach and collect them.
Golden Bug 6 – Ant ♀
Then return to Kakariko. On the western side of the main street there is an abandoned and accessible house near Barnes Bomb Shop or opposite the inn area. Enter the building. The female ant crawls along the ground directly inside. Since it cannot leave the house and has no enemies, it is one of the safest Golden Bugs in the entire collection.
Progress: 6 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 7 & 8 – Locusts in Eldin Plains
Leave Kakariko north to the great Hyrule Field of Eldin Province. In contrast to many other Golden Bugs, the two grasshoppers are constantly moving across the ground and can therefore be a little more annoying to catch. As soon as you spot one, the Gale Boomerang is much more comfortable than trying to run after it.
Golden Bug 7 – Grasshopper ♂
Stay in the southern part of the large plain for now. Near the road to Kakariko there is a noticeable bare or clayey area without thick grass. The male grasshopper jumps around on this earthy surface. Scan the area slowly, paying particular attention to the flashes of gold as they jump. As soon as you have discovered them, target them with the Gale Boomerang and drag them directly to Link.
Golden Bug 8 – Grasshopper ♀
For the female you have to go much further into the northern part of the same plain. In the GameCube version or HD normal mode, the female locust is located far in the northwestern part of the area; In Wii and HD hero mode, the Location is mirrored in the northeast. The animal hops openly across the ground and is much easier to spot at night. Here too, the Gale Boomerang saves you from a longer chase.
Progress: 8 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 9 & 10 – Stick Insects at Bridge of Eldin
The next couple lives directly at the bridge of Eldin. Both stick insects sit well above Link’s head and should therefore be collected with the Gale Boomerang or later with the Clawshot. Depending on when you come here during your main story, the bridge may be temporarily damaged. Once they have been restored, the pair can be completed without any problems.
Golden Bug 9 – Stick Insect ♂
Stand at the southern end of the bridge and examine the large stone archway. The male stick insect sits on the inside of this arch and glows clearly golden. You can use the Gale Boomerang to detach the insect from the wall and drag it directly to Link. If you already have the Clawshot, it works just as well.
Golden Bug 10 – Stick Insect ♀
Cross or walk around the bridge and search the high rock face immediately north of it. In the GameCube and HD normal versions, the female specimen is located high on the eastern and right side of the rock; Wii and Hero Mode mirror the position. The female stick insect hangs so high that you can hardly reach it directly. Aim the Gale Boomerang at the golden dot on the wall and bring it down.
Progress: 10 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 11 & 12 – Praying Mantises at the Great Bridge of Hylia
After Lanayru Province is accessible, the insect hunt takes us to Great Bridge of Hylia. Both praying mantises are in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, although on walls that are difficult to reach. The Gale Boomerang works great here; after the Lakebed Temple you can alternatively use the Clawshot.
Golden Bug 11 – Praying Mantis ♂
Go to the north end of the Great Bridge of Hylia and look into the large stone archway. The male praying mantis sits or flies inside this arch. Since the insect hangs relatively high and moves occasionally, you should wait a moment until it becomes visible again. Then target it with the Gale Boomerang or Clawshot and pull it towards you.
Golden Bug 12 – Praying Mantis ♀
Cross the bridge to the south and follow the rocky path to the huge natural tree roots or rock arches. Examine the high wall in the southern part of this formation. The female praying mantis sits there. It is also usually out of direct range and should be brought down with Boomerang or Clawshot.
Progress: 12 of 24 Golden Bugs
In Twilight Princess HD you can now get the exclusive Agitha stamp from Agitha.
Golden Bugs 13 & 14 – Butterflies west of Castle Town
The next pair can be found on the Hyrule Field just outside the western gate of Castle Town. Both butterflies are located between flowers or on an elevated rock wall. The female in particular is easy to miss because she sits significantly higher than the male.
Golden Bug 13 – Butterfly ♂
Leave Castle Town through the west gate and follow the path a short distance south towards the ancient ruins or the path to Lake Hylia. In a field with purple or colored flowers, the male butterfly flies close to the ground. Its golden glow stands out clearly from the flowers, especially at night. Just run up carefully and collect it or bring it to you with the Gale Boomerang.
Golden Bug 14 – Butterfly ♀
For the female specimen, search the raised rocky edge of the same area. In the GameCube and HD normal versions, the Location is located in the northwestern area of the level. On the rock wall or above a section covered with tendrils you can see the golden shimmer of the female butterfly. With the Clawshot you can pull yourself up the tendrils and easily collect the insect. Alternatively, depending on its position, it can be reached with the Gale Boomerang.
Progress: 14 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 15 & 16 – Stag Beetles north of Castle Town
The two stag beetles are located in the great Hyrule Field north of Castle Town. One sits on a single tree while the female hides on a rock face in the northern part of the area. Since there are numerous enemies and crows roaming around this level, it is worth taking out annoying enemies with your bow first.
Golden Bug 15 – Stag Beetle ♂
Look for a single tree near the small river in the western part of the plain or on the corresponding mirrored side. There are often several crows circling this area. Eliminate them and then examine the trunk and branches. The male stag beetle sits there. If it is too high, use Gale Boomerang or Clawshot.
Golden Bug 16 – Stag Beetle ♀
Then go to the rocky northern part of the same level. The female specimen sits near the path that divides between the rocks or above a cracked rock wall. Search the high wall carefully for the golden glow. The stag beetle is located well above Link’s head and is easiest to bring down with the Gale Boomerang or Clawshot.
Progress: 16 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 17 & 18 – Ladybugs south of Castle Town
For the next couple, we leave Castle Town through the south gate. The two ladybugs are surprisingly close to each other and can be collected without any special items. You already know their area from several story sections about Telma and Ilia.
Golden Bug 17 – Ladybug ♂
Climb down the large steps south of Castle Town and go into the open field area. On one side there is a single natural rock or earth pillar around which several crows and Deku Babas can appear. The male ladybird is located at the foot or in the immediate vicinity of this column between the flowers. Clear annoying enemies out of the way and then collect the animal.
Golden Bug 18 – Ladybug ♀
Return towards the grand staircase to the south gate. Between the lower sections of the stairs there is a planted area with several trees. The female ladybird sits on one of these trees or flies directly around it. Stop for a moment and listen to the sound of glittering if you can’t immediately recognize it between the leaves.
Progress: 18 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bugs 19 & 20 – Dragonflies at Zora’s Domain
The two dragonflies are distributed over Zora’s Domain and the upper reaches of the Zora River. Both areas are right next to each other and can be processed very quickly later thanks to the warp points. The male dragonfly is near the large waterfall, while the female is flying over the water at Hena’s or Iza’s boating hut.
Golden Bug 19 – Dragonfly ♂
Warp to Zora’s Domain or to the large waterfall and go to the bank area near the so-called mother and child rocks. Climb up over the low hills and grassy areas on the appropriate side. The male dragonfly flies or sits between the tall grass near the waterfall. Their golden glow is comparatively easy to see in this rather dark environment. Run up carefully or use the Gale Boomerang.
Golden Bug 20 – Dragonfly ♀
Then go to the upper reaches of the Zora River and the boat trip hut. There is a small floating jetty directly in front of the building. The female dragonfly flies over the water or around this jetty and can therefore always be out of Link’s direct reach. The Gale Boomerang is by far the easiest method here: Wait until the insect is clearly visible, aim at it and pull it towards you.
Progress: 20 of 24 Golden Bugs
The only things missing are the two mayflies from the Gerudo Desert and the two snails from the Sacred Grove.
Golden Bugs 21 & 22 – Mayflies in the Gerudo Desert
The two mayflies are among the most difficult Golden Bugs in the game to discover. Although they are openly located in the Gerudo Desert, their golden body almost completely blends into the light sand during the day. If possible, you should look for both at night. Then their glow can be seen from a great distance.
Golden Bug 21 – Mayfly ♂
The male mayflyer is located in the southern area of the Gerudo Desert. From the starting point after firing Fyer’s cannon, you move through the open desert towards the southern or southwestern sand areas. Search roughly in the area south of the large crevice or near the old barriers. The insect flies freely just above the sand and can therefore change its location easily. Walk slowly through the area, relying more on the sound of glitter than a solid point.
Golden Bug 22 – Mayfly ♀
The female is also in the southern part of the desert, but closer to the ancient stone ruins with the Owl Statue. To the north or directly next to these ruins there are several parallel depressions in the sand. The female mayfly moves within or on the wall of one of these hollows. Search the trenches one at a time. The golden dot on the darker ditch wall is particularly easy to see at night.
Progress: 22 of 24 Golden Bugs
Golden Bug 23 – Male Snail in Sacred Grove
The last two Golden Bugs are the snails. They are different from all previous couples because both live in the same geographical location but are found in different time periods. We can collect the male snail during our stay in the Sacred Grove after receiving the Master Sword. The female only becomes accessible when we later travel through the time portal to the intact citadel of the past.
In the Sacred Grove, go to the clearing with the two large guardian statues or to the area of the earlier statue puzzle. Find the small niche on the side with the dilapidated steps. Stand in it and look at the upper corner of the ruin wall or the ceiling. The male snail crawls there. If she is out of your reach, you can take her down with the Gale Boomerang or later with the Clawshot.
Progress: 23 of 24 Golden Bugs
Only the female snail is missing. It can only be collected when you later visit the Temple of Time.
Golden Bug 24 – female snail in the Temple of Time
The last Golden Bug of our chronological route waits in front of the Temple of Time during the return to the Sacred Grove. After Link has inserted the Master Sword into the time rock again and opened the entrance, you will go through the mysterious door into the completely preserved citadel of the past.
Go down the grand staircase of the entrance hall, but don’t enter the dungeon proper yet. It is located at the bottom or side of the stairs female snail directly on the wall. Her golden body stands out clearly against the light stone. Approach and collect them. So now you actually own them all 24 Golden Bugs from Twilight Princess.
24 of 24 Golden Bugs – collection complete!
The female snail is the last newly accessible Golden Bug on a 100% natural route. Now return to Agitha in Castle Town and give her all the copies that have not yet been handed in.
All 24 Golden Bugs – Complete Checklist
| No. | Golden Bug | Gender | discovery area | Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhinoceros Beetle | ♂ | Hyrule Field near Faron – Tree between the hills | ☐ |
| 2 | Rhinoceros Beetle | ♀ | Hyrule Field near Faron – Tree on raised ledge | ☐ |
| 3 | woodlice | ♂ | Kakariko Valley – south of the | ☐ |
| 4 | woodlice | ♀ | Kakariko Valley – north of the bridge by trees and flowers | ☐ |
| 5 | Ant | ♂ | Kakariko Cemetery – by the tree in the back area | ☐ |
| 6 | Ant | ♀ | Kakariko – abandoned house | ☐ |
| 7 | Grasshopper | ♂ | Eldin Plain – barren area north of Kakariko | ☐ |
| 8 | Grasshopper | ♀ | Eldin Plains – northwest area | ☐ |
| 9 | Stick insect | ♂ | Bridge of Eldin – southern archway | ☐ |
| 10 | Stick insect | ♀ | Bridge of Eldin – Rock wall north of the | ☐ |
| 11 | Praying Mantis | ♂ | Great Bridge of Hylia – Northern Archway | ☐ |
| 12 | Praying Mantis | ♀ | South of Hylia Bridge – Rock wall near the tree roots | ☐ |
| 13 | Butterfly | ♂ | West of Castle Town – Flower Field | ☐ |
| 14 | Butterfly | ♀ | West of Castle Town – raised cliff face | ☐ |
| 15 | Stag Beetle | ♂ | North of Castle Town – single tree | ☐ |
| 16 | Stag Beetle | ♀ | North of Castle Town – Rock wall to the north | ☐ |
| 17 | Ladybug | ♂ | South of Castle Town – natural rock pillar | ☐ |
| 18 | Ladybug | ♀ | South of Castle Town – Trees between the stairs | ☐ |
| 19 | Dragonfly | ♂ | Zora’s Domain – Grass area near the large waterfall | ☐ |
| 20 | Dragonfly | ♀ | Upper reaches of the Zora River – in front of the boat trip hut | ☐ |
| 21 | Mayfly | ♂ | Gerudo desert – southern sandy area | ☐ |
| 22 | Mayfly | ♀ | Gerudo desert – hollows near the owl statue | ☐ |
| 23 | Auger | ♂ | Sacred Grove – Ruins in the statue puzzle | ☐ |
| 24 | Auger | ♀ | Temple of Time – Wall next to the grand staircase | ☐ |
Hand in all Golden Bugs to Agitha
Warp to Castle Town and enter Agitha’s house. Give her any remaining Golden Bugs. If you have collected many copies at once, you should make sure that your wallet is not already full, especially on GameCube and Wii, because Agitha continues to pay 50 or 100 Rupees per insect or completed pair. In the HD remaster, this problem is much smaller thanks to the significantly larger wallets.
Once the 24th Golden Bug has been handed over, Agitha’s Large Insect Ball is complete. As a special completion reward, Link will receive the Giant Wallet. In GameCube and Wii, a maximum of 1,000 Rupees can be carried; in Twilight Princess HD the limit rises to an impressive 2,000 Rupees. This expansion is particularly valuable in conjunction with the magic armor, because it allows Link to fight protected for significantly longer.
Which Golden Bugs are most often overlooked?
If you still end up missing one or two specimens despite this route, you should first check your collection by gender. Particularly often overlooked are the female rhinoceros beetle on the elevated cliff edge in Faron, the female stick insect on the cliff face north of the Bridge of Eldin, and the female butterfly on the elevated one Rocky edge west of Castle Town and the two mayflies in the Gerudo Desert. The latter are so difficult to see during the day that searching at night makes an enormous difference.
Another classic candidate is the female snail. Although it is located directly on the story path to Temple of Time, it is still before the actual dungeon and is therefore easily forgotten. If you are missing exactly one snail, you should first check this historical entrance area of the Temple of Time.
Can you miss Golden Bugs permanently?
No. None of the 24 Golden Bugs become permanently inaccessible as the main story progresses. You can also collect missing copies later. Even the two snails in the Holy Grove and in the Temple of Time can still be reached after their first possible discovery. You don’t have to restart the game if you skip an animal during our recommended route.
Our order only has the advantage that almost every pair is collected exactly when Link is traveling through the respective area as part of the normal action. This saves you a long trip through the whole of Hyrule at the end of the game.
Do you have to look for Golden Bugs at night?
No. The Golden Bugs are generally also present during the day. However, their search is much more pleasant at night because the golden glow is much more noticeable. The difference is enormous, especially for small, free-flying species such as mayflies or insects on high rock faces. If you reach a Location described and cannot discover absolutely anything, you should not immediately assume that our direction information is incorrect. Stop for a moment, listen to the typical glittering noise and check tree trunks, rock walls and the ground in your immediate surroundings.