A video (here, here and here) showing insects shaped like flowers, described as the “beauties of nature,” is going viral on social media. While many users are sharing it as real, others are questioning its authenticity. Several queries regarding this video have also reached our WhatsApp tipline (+91 9247052470). Let’s uncover the truth behind this claim.
Claim: The viral video shows real insects in the shape of flowers.
Fact: The video does not show real insects. The visuals were generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and were originally uploaded on the Instagram page oleg.pars, which descrives them as AI creations. Analysis using AI-detection tools like Hive also confirmed that the clips are AI-generated. Hence, the claim is FALSE.
The viral compilation features nine different video clips. To verify their authenticity, we conducted a reverse image search on Google using screenshots from these clips. This search revealed that all nine clips were originally shared by an Instagram page named oleg.pars (here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here). The page itself clearly states that these visuals were created using Artificial Intelligence.
The bio of the Instagram page describes the creator as a “Digital Creator” who is “in constant (re)search of unbelievable creatures.” A closer look at the account shows that it frequently posts AI-generated videos of unusual visuals, including insects designed in the shape of flowers (here, here and here).
To further confirm whether the visuals in the viral compilation were AI-generated, we analysed several clips using AI-content detection tools such as Hive. The results confirmed that the scenes were indeed created using artificial intelligence.
Earlier, some videos from oleg.pars Instagram page had also gone viral with similar claims of showing real insects shaped like flowers. Factly had earlier published fact-checks debunking them as AI-generated content (here and here).
Additionally, a keyword search on the internet shows that certain insects, such as the orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) and the spiny flower mantis (here and here), are naturally known for their flower-like appearance. However, the viral video is unrelated to these real insects; it is entirely AI-generated.
To sum up, the viral video showing insects shaped like flowers is AI-generated and not real.
