ABC Insect of the Year 2026

I am thrilled to be on the expert panel for the 2026 ABC Insect of the Year. This year, my nomination is the wonderful Tortoise-shelled Ladybird (Harmonia testudinaria).

Beyond their spectacular appearance, these striking but tiny (about 6 millimetres) ladybirds are the mighty unsung heroes of our backyards and ecosystems.

Both the adults and their larvae are voracious predators, eating soft-bodied pests like aphids. The tortoise-shelled ladybird proves Australia’s most beautiful insects are often its hardest workers.

Voting is open right now and runs throughout the month of October. I would love it if you threw your support behind this beautiful little beetle! You can view all the finalists and cast your vote on the ABC’s polling page here.

The winner will be announced next month at the start of Pollinator Week (9th November), so get your votes in quickly!