New Zealand bug of the year: moth named Avatar after mining threat crowned winner
The Guardian World
by Eva Corlett in WellingtonFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A tiny, critically endangered moth named Arctesthes avatar has been crowned New Zealand’s Bug of the Year after winning nearly half of the votes in a national competition. Discovered in 2012 and named after the *Avatar* films due to its threatened habitat from mining activities, this moth narrowly avoided extinction by capturing public attention through its unique story and conservation plight.
The contest featured a lineup of fascinating insects, including the mahoenui giant wētā—one of the world’s largest insects—and the hellraiser mite. However, the Avatar moth stood out, earning 5,192 votes out of over 11,000 cast, a margin of 2,269 more votes than its closest competitor. This victory highlights growing public concern for species facing environmental threats.
The moth’s discovery in 2012 by entomologist Dr. David Hancox revealed its limited habitat and vulnerability to mining. With
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026