Guardian invertebrate of the year: journalists pitch their picks for lesser-known creatures
The Guardian's annual invertebrate of the year competition features three journalists nominating little-known creatures in a new video, with the winner to be revealed on 17 August.
The Guardian holds an annual competition to crown the invertebrate of the year, spotlighting creatures that rarely get public attention despite making up the vast majority of animal life on Earth.
Three nominees, three journalists
In a new video, science editor Ian Sample speaks with three colleagues about the 2026 nominees: climate reporter Petra Stock, environment reporter Oliver Milman, and Science Weekly co-host Madeleine Finlay. Each nominates a remarkable but little-known invertebrate and explains why it deserves to win.
Public vote decides the winner
Viewers are invited to vote for their favourite among the nominees. The winner will be announced on 17 August. The video highlights the diversity of invertebrate life, drawing attention to species that are often overshadowed by more familiar mammals and birds despite their outsized role in the natural world.
