When Does Flick Visit In Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

TL;DR

  • Flick pays 150% market value for bugs during random visits and Bug Off events
  • Bug models require three identical insects and deliver triple the original bug’s value
  • The chameleon merchant appears randomly but stays for full 24-hour periods
  • Strategic bug stockpiling before Flick’s arrival maximizes your bell earnings
  • Bug Off competitions provide additional selling opportunities with special rewards

Mastering Flick’s unpredictable schedule is crucial for maximizing your bug-selling profits in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This vibrant red chameleon, easily spotted in his distinctive black leather vest, operates on a completely random visitation system that requires daily vigilance from dedicated players.

Flick’s appearance mechanics follow no predictable pattern, making systematic preparation essential. Unlike scheduled events, you cannot trigger his arrival through specific actions or achievements. However, once he appears, he remains accessible for a full 24-hour cycle from 5 AM to 5 AM, providing ample opportunity to locate him and conduct your insect transactions.

Pro tip: Conduct a quick island perimeter check each morning near resident services and popular gathering spots. Many players miss Flick because he often wanders to less-frequented areas of their islands. His extended stay duration means you can continue catching bugs throughout the day to sell to him before he departs.

Beyond his spontaneous visits, Flick serves as the official host for the Bug Off competition, taking over from Nat who previously managed this event in City Folk and New Leaf. We’ll explore the competition details in a dedicated section later in this comprehensive guide.

Strategic bug selling to Flick represents one of the most profitable activities in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. He consistently offers 150% of the standard Nook’s Cranny market value during both his random appearances and Bug Off tournaments, creating significant financial advantages for prepared players.

Consider this profit comparison: tarantulas that normally fetch 8,000 bells at Nook’s Cranny will net you 12,000 bells from Flick. Even common pests like water bugs, which typically sell for 2,000 bells, become 3,000-bell transactions with this specialized vendor. The cumulative effect across multiple insect varieties can dramatically accelerate your island development funding.

Strategic bug selling to Flick for maximum profit optimization

Strategic bug selling to Flick for maximum profit optimization.

Advanced strategy: Maintain a dedicated “Flick inventory” storage area on your island. Focus on capturing high-value insects throughout the week rather than selling them immediately to Timmy and Tommy. This disciplined approach typically increases your weekly bell earnings by 25-40% compared to immediate sales at Nook’s Cranny.

Common mistake: Many players sell their common bugs immediately rather than waiting for Flick’s premium rates. While individual common insects like butterflies or locusts don’t command massive prices, selling them in bulk to Flick during his visits generates substantially better returns over time.

Flick’s bug model commissioning service offers both decorative and financial benefits for dedicated collectors. To request a custom insect sculpture, you must provide three identical specimens of your chosen species, initiating the creative process through specific dialogue options.

Engage Flick in conversation and select “Tell me about your art” rather than opting for immediate bug sales. This specialized request triggers the model creation process, with your finished sculpture arriving via postal delivery the following day.

The completed models serve dual purposes: they function as unique furniture items for island decoration or can be sold for significant bell returns. Each model’s market value equals three times the original bug’s standard price, perfectly aligning with the three-insect investment required for its production.

Display strategy: Create themed insect exhibits by grouping related bug models together. Butterfly gardens, beetle collections, or seasonal insect displays can become standout features of your island’s aesthetic design while demonstrating your entomological accomplishments.

For comprehensive insect information, consult our detailed bug guide covering all catchable species available for capture, sale, and model commissioning throughout the year.

The Bug Off competition represents a specialized seasonal event within Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with Flick serving as the official coordinator and judge. This bug-catching tournament joins the fishing tournament as one of the game’s premier competitive activities, though specific dates hadn’t been announced at the time of writing unless players utilized time-travel mechanics.

Similar to previous Animal Crossing installations, the Bug Off challenges participants to capture as many insects as possible within limited time frames, earning unique rewards based on their performance tiers.

Competition mechanics: During Bug Off events, Flick maintains his 150% purchase premium on all bugs, providing excellent selling opportunities alongside the competitive aspect. Participants can accumulate points redeemable for exclusive Bug Off-themed items unavailable through regular gameplay.

Preparation advice: Before Bug Off events, clear your island of unnecessary clutter and weeds to maximize spawn rates for target insects. Strategic flower placement and tree management can significantly increase your catch rates during these limited-time competitions.

Strategic bug selection dramatically impacts your profitability when dealing with Flick. The following table highlights the most valuable insects for Northern and Southern Hemisphere players, organized by their Flick-offered bell values:

Bells Bug (Northern) Bells Bug (Southern)
12,000 Tarantula 12,000 Scorpion
4,500 Atlas Moth 6,750 Banded Scorpion
4,500 Agrias Butterfly 3,750 Wasp
3,750 Madagascan Sunset Moth 3,600 Orchid Mantis
3,750 Wasp 2,250 Tiger Beetle
3,750 Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing 1,500 Hermit Crab
3,750 Peacock Butterfly 1,500 Man-Faced Stink Bug
3,600 Orchid Mantis 1,500 Paper Kite Butterfly
3,600 Jewel Beetle
3,000 Giant Water Bug
2,250 Tiger Beetle
1,500 Hermit Crab
1,500 Paper Kite Butterfly
1,500 Man-Faced Stink Bug

Seasonal optimization: Your most profitable bugs will vary significantly based on current month, hemisphere, and time of day. Night-active insects like tarantulas and scorpions typically command the highest prices but require specific environmental conditions to spawn reliably.

Advanced technique: Create dedicated farming areas by clearing large spaces and planting specific flowers to attract premium butterflies and beetles. This targeted approach can triple your hourly bell earnings compared to random insect hunting throughout your island.

Action Checklist

  • Check for Flick daily near resident services and island perimeter
  • Stockpile high-value bugs in dedicated storage areas
  • Commission bug models using three identical specimens for triple value returns
  • Prepare island for Bug Off events by clearing weeds and optimizing spawn areas
  • Create targeted bug farming zones with specific flowers and cleared spaces

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