New Zealand velvet worm named Bug of the Year 2025

The New Zealand velvet worm, known as ngāokeoke, has been awarded the title of Bug of the Year for 2025, triumphing over other contenders like the praying mantis and a moth. This ancient invertebrate, which has existed for approximately 500 million years, captures its prey by shooting sticky slime that dissolves it into a soup-like consistency. Celebrated for its unique classification in the Onychophora phylum, the velvet worm's victory highlights the importance of raising awareness about lesser-known native species. This year's competition saw a record turnout of around 10,000 votes, with the velvet worm winning by a narrow margin of just 110 votes. Conservation efforts have been crucial for the velvet worm, especially in Dunedin, where local initiatives have helped protect their habitats. As populations of invertebrates decline globally, the win serves as a reminder of the ecological significance of these creatures.