The search is underway for the world's favourite spineless creature as the third annual Invertebrate of the Year competition kicks off. With over 1.3 million invertebrate species vying for attention, organisers are urging individuals to shine a light on these often-overlooked wonders that make up a staggering 95% of animal life.
Nominations have previously included unique creatures like the wētāpunga, a giant flightless grasshopper, and the fen raft spider, renowned for its water-walking abilities. These examples showcase the incredible diversity and bizarre adaptations found within the invertebrate kingdom, which also includes beetles and cephalopods.
As biologist E.O. Wilson once stated, 'we need invertebrates but they don't need us', highlighting their irreplaceable roles as pollinators, soil-makers, water-cleaners, and natural pest controllers that sustain human civilisation. The competition is a timely reminder of these unsung heroes' importance.
Nomination rules remain the same: previous winners are ineligible, and submissions must be actual invertebrate species – not human politicians. Last year's title went to Milnesium tardigradum, a microscopic 'piglet-in-a-duvet' known for its extreme resilience.
The nomination period closes on July 13 at midnight, followed by the unveiling of a shortlist of ten remarkable creatures on August 3. The public can then vote and campaign for their favourite until the winner is announced on August 17, determined by public vote and meticulously counted by the Guardian's team.