Guardian podcast reveals 2026 Invertebrate of the Year nominees and voting

The Guardian’s annual “Invertebrate of the Year” competition has opened its nominations for 2026, inviting readers to vote for the creature that best captures the public’s imagination. The 2026 shortlist was compiled by science editor Ian Sample, who consulted with climate journalist Petra Stock, environment reporter Oliver Milman and Science Weekly co‑host Madeleine Finlay. Each of the three experts presented a compelling case for a different invertebrate, arguing that its ecological significance, adaptability or sheer wonder makes it deserving of the title.

Stock highlighted a climate‑resilient species that has recently expanded its range in response to warming seas, noting its role in stabilising coastal ecosystems. Milman championed a lesser‑known pollinator whose decline could ripple through local food webs, emphasising the urgent need for conservation action. Finlay chose a remarkable deep‑sea organism whose bioluminescent adaptations offer clues to evolutionary biology. While the Guardian does not disclose the specific names in this preview, all three nominations underscore the diversity of life that thrives without vertebrate bodies.

Readers can cast their ballots online until the deadline, after which the Guardian will announce the winner on 17 August. The competition, which has highlighted a new invertebrate each year since its inception, aims to raise public awareness of the often‑overlooked creatures that underpin ecosystems worldwide. The Guardian encourages all readers to visit the voting page and support the invertebrate that best exemplifies resilience, curiosity or ecological importance.