It’s time to vote for the invertebrate of the year 2026. For the third year in a row, we have profiled some of the most spectacular, fascinating and yet overlooked inhabitants of our planet; the huge category of animals (more than 1.3 million different species) that do not have a backbone. This group includes all types of creatures, from jellyfish to bumblebees, parasites, spiders and worms. They perform some of the most critical functions at the very foundation of all our ecosystems, but it is the vertebrates (pandas, lions, whales) that attract everyone’s attention. Vote for your favorite of these amazing species… or if you don’t have time to vote, just don’t forget to look down, up, under a rock or into a pond; Some of the most wonderful creatures you’ve never heard of may be just millimeters away. Readers have nominated thousands of amazing animals, we’ve chosen a shortlist of 10 and you can now vote for your favorite until midnight on Sunday 16 August. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 18.1. The common mealybug: a detritivore with unexpected superpowers.2. The immortal jellyfish can turn back into a baby jellyfish and grow back.3. Leaf Sheep: The irresistibly cute, solar-powered sea slug.4. The greengrocer’s cicada can exceed 120 decibels and almost exceed the pain threshold.5. The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect: The giant stick insect that proves it’s not over until we give up.6. The wandering glider: the dragonfly that migrates farther than any other insect.7. The botfly bumblebee – the giant panda of the insect world.8. The cordworm whose mucus could be the basis of new insecticides.9. The horseshoe crab: the blue-blooded arthropod that has changed little in 445 million years.10. The neon flying squid flying in formation over the ocean. Vote here You can vote using this form. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 18. Your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only The Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide to us for the purpose of the feature and will delete any personal data when we no longer need it for this purpose. For alternative ways to communicate securely, see our tips guide. If you are having trouble using the form, click here. Read the terms of service here and the privacy policy here.
