The insect jars of Skyrim are a set of collectibles spread throughout Tamriel and beyond that aren't tied to any quests with no apparent purpose. Each Insect Jar holds a unique bug, which makes them unique furnishings within a player home, and even more bugs in a jar were made available with Skyrim Anniversary Edition content.
Tracking down all of these insect jars can be tricky, though, because they aren't marked on the player's map at all, just like the Stones of Barenziah. They are hard to miss when you come across them, but without knowing exactly what you're doing, it can take a lot longer than it needs to.
Bee In A Jar
The Bee In A Jar can be found in Goldenglow Estate, a honey farm on an island just outside Riften. It's pretty easy to get to – just fast travel to Riften and head west, or go to Ivarstead and head east. The island can be accessed via a small bridge on the south side of the lake.
The Bee In A Jar is found on the second floor of the mansion itself, in the main bedroom. The Jar should be right next to the bed. Goldenglow Estate is also the setting for the Thieves Guild quest "Loud and Clear" so be sure to look out for this collectible when sent to the island to clear out Aringoth's safe.
Butterfly In A Jar
The Butterfly In A Jar is one of three Butterfly-type insect jars in Skyrim; the other two are included in the Saints and Seducers creation. This regular variety resembles a monarch butterfly, and can be found in the Alchemist's Shack, a small hut in the hills southeast of Ivarstead.
There isn't a quest that can take you directly to this Shack, but if you don't mind going out into the mountainous wilderness at a low level, it's not too long of a journey from the beginning of the Seven Thousand Steps.
Dragonfly In A Jar
The Dragonfly In A Jar requires players to do a little bit of diplomacy before becoming easily lootable, unless they are playing an Orc. This is because the Dragonfly In A Jar is located beneath Dushnikh Yal, an Orc Stronghold in the jagged hills northwest of Falkreath.
Players can of course attempt to kill the entire Orc population of the stronghold, but it's much easier to just do their task and gain their favor. Once able to enter Dushnikh Yal, look for a cellar containing an Alchemy Lab. The Dragonfly In A Jar should be next to this crafting station.
Moth In A Jar
The Moth In A Jar features a bright emerald-green Luna Moth and is found deep in a cave infested with Falmer and Chaurus. Duskglow Crevice is also home to a skill book and lots of crafting materials, though it isn't tied to any questlines in particular.
To find Duskglow Crevice head southeast of Dawnstar and look for a cave icon on your compass. It should be on the side of a mountain with a small fire pit right outside, but if you have trouble finding it, head to the Weynon Stones and go directly north.
Torchbug In A Jar
The Torchbug In A Jar is the last of the insect jars included in the vanilla game, and is found between Winterhold and Dawnstar on the northern coast of Skyrim. The Frostflow Lighthouse is home to a murder mystery that the player must solve, a quest that starts as soon as the area loads.
To get to Frostflow Lighthouse head to Dawnstar and start walking east along the coast. It's easier to start here than Winterhold both because of travel time and general danger, as the Dawnstar route only pits players against Horkers whereas the Winterhold route has ice wraiths and other enemies to fight as well as Horkers.
Saints and Seducers: Bliss Bug, Green Butterfly, and Purple Butterfly
The Saints and Seducers creation is a gigantic homage to the Shivering Isles DLC for Oblivion, which took players to the plane of the Daedric Prince of Madness Sheogorath. In addition to lots of unique items and locations, it also adds three new insect jars: the Purple and Green Butterflies and the Bliss Bug.
The Bliss Bug is found in Stony Creek Cave, located just southeast of Windhelm that also houses the Bow of Ruin for a Creation Club quest. The Purple Butterfly is found in the Blue Palace of Solitude in the Pelagius Wing, where players can also obtain the Wabbajack by visiting Sheogorath directly. The Green Butterfly is found in the new area of the Solitude Sewers, the culmination of the Saints and Seducers creation found beneath a manhole outside Castle Dour.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S
