Insects and spiders make up more than half New Zealand's animal biodiversity – time to celebrate these spineless creatures
After almost two decades of championing native birds in an annual competition, Aotearoa is going to begin celebrating its spineless creatures this year.
New Zealand is home to more than 20,000 species of insects and spiders, representing well over half of all animal diversity. Many are endemic, which means they have no other home on Earth.
Like Aotearoa’s birds, native invertebrates have evolved largely without mammals and have filled many ecological niches taken up by mammals elsewhere. The Entomological Society of New Zealand has launched a Bug of the Year competition to introduce their wonderful diversity.
Insects and spiders make up more than half NZ's animal biodiversity – time to celebrate these spineless creatures
After almost two decades of championing native birds in an annual competition, Aotearoa is going to begin celebrating its spineless creatures this year.
New Zealand is home to more than 20,000 species of insects and spiders, representing well over half of all animal diversity. Many are endemic, which means they have no other home on Earth.
Like Aotearoa’s birds, native invertebrates have evolved largely without mammals and have filled many ecological niches taken up by mammals elsewhere. The Entomological Society of New Zealand has launched a Bug of the Year competition to introduce their wonderful diversity.
Insects and spiders make up more than half NZ's animal biodiversity – time to celebrate these spineless creatures