New Zealand's Annual Worm Winner is an Ancient Species Known for Excreting Toxic Slime
The enchanting New Zealand velvet worm, often referred to as the Ngāokeoke, claimed this year's New Zealand Bug of the Year title. This annual competition, organized by the Entomological Society of New Zealand, aims to stir curious bug enthusiasts worldwide.
Over 9,000 individuals cast nearly 25,000 votes in this global event, with New Zealand leading the way, followed closely by North America, Europe, and Australia. Interestingly, a staggering 35 votes came from a boat in the middle of the ocean.
The astonishing NZ velvet worm, scientifically known as Peripatoides novaezealandiae, is a type of peripatus or soft-bodied invertebrate. This ancient creature, dating back millions of years, is often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its long-standing presence.
These creatures, resembling caterpillars, traverse New Zealand's cool, shady woodlands using their short, stumpy legs. Their size varies, ranging from 0.7 to 2 inches in New Zealand but potentially growing larger elsewhere.
Velvet worms earned their nickname for their soft, touchable texture. However, their gentleness is deceptive, as they are formidable predators. They hunt at night, feeding on unsuspecting invertebrates with jets of sticky fluid and dissolving their insides using saliva to create a nutritious brew.
During the day, they hide in decomposing logs, patiently awaiting darkness to begin their predation. This year's competition brings no tangible rewards, but a heightened global awareness of this potentially underappreciated creature.
Jenny Jandt, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago and Bug of the Year committee member, hopes that the public will explore and learn more about these creatures. The competition was fierce, with just over 100 votes separating the champion, the NZ velvet worm, and the runner-up, the NZ praying mantis.
In third place was the adorable giant springtail, feeding on fungi and slime, while the New Zealand dobsonfly, infamously known as the toe-biter, finished last. Bug lovers have until July to nominate their favorites for the 2026 competition.
The Ngāokeoke's captivating appearance and vicious predatory behavior have made it a beloved figure in New Zealand's Bug of the Year competition. Despite its small size, this ancient invertebrate has managed to hold its ground for half a billion years, leaving an indelible mark on New Zealand's biodiversity. (Enrichment data incorporated)
The Ngāokeoke's victory in the Bug of the Year competition has sparked interest in traveling to New Zealand, as visitors want to witness these enchanting invertebrates in their natural habitat. This increased awareness of velvet worms has encouraged researchers at the University of Otago to conduct further studies on shady woodland ecosystems, focusing on invertebrate populations. In preparation for the 2026 Bug of the Year competition, enthusiastic individuals are eager to nominate their favorite New Zealand invertebrates to raise global awareness.
