Cast your vote in the 2026 ABC Australian Insect of the Year!

From colourful butterflies to tiny beetles and some wonderfully unusual creatures, Australia's insects are a fascinating and often overlooked part of our natural world.

Now in its third year, the competition celebrates some of Australia's incredible insect diversity and gives the public the chance to vote for their favourite. This year's finalists include a fascinating mix of butterflies, beetles and other unusual insects, each highlighting just how diverse and remarkable Australia's insect world can be.

While the competition is a bit of fun, it also draws attention to the important role insects play in our ecosystems. Insects pollinate plants, break down organic matter, provide food for other animals and help maintain healthy ecosystems and productive landscapes.

There is still so much we don't know about Australia's insects, with thousands of species yet to be formally described. Competitions like this encourage people to take a closer look at the small creatures around them — whether that's a butterfly visiting the garden, a beetle hiding under a log or an unfamiliar insect spotted on the farm.

Voting for the 2026 ABC Australian Insect of the Year is open until the end of October, with the winner to be announced on 9th November during Australian Pollinator Week.

Cast your vote here: Scutter or flutter? Who wins your vote for the 2026 ABC Australian Insect of the Year? - ABC News