Kahukura and ongaonga. Photo: Greer Sanger
The kahukura red admiral butterfly has been named New Zealand's Bug of the Year today, after nearly 17,000 bug lovers voted for their favourite insect.
Twenty bugs were vying to be New Zealand's favourite, with 11 of the 20 nominees listed as at-risk, endangered or declining.
The competition - run by the Entomological Society of New Zealand - was created to give bugs the same kind publicity seen in the popular Bird of the Year race.
The winning insects receive research funding and promotion about their conservation.
This year's winner - the kahukura (Vanessa gonerilla) - has striking red and black wings and is commonly seen in the summer months, often feeding on nectar.
The Entomological Society said while the butterfly is relatively common around New Zealand, population numbers had been slowly declining over the past 100 years.
Last year's winner was Ngaro Huruhuru, a native bee.
The full 2024 rankings:
1. Kahukura NZ Red Admiral (2275 votes)
2. Mt Arthur Giant Wētā (1719 votes)
3. Ngāokeoke NZ Velvet Worm (1581 votes)
4. Titiwai NZ Glowworm (1550 votes)
5. NZ Praying Mantis (1315 votes)
6. Pepe pouri Forest Ringlet Butterfly (1198 votes)
7. Superb Giant Land Snail (1115 votes)
8. Kapowai Carové's Giant Dragonfly (1003 votes)
9. Orange-Spotted Ladybird (867 votes)
10. Hobbit Psyllid (661 votes)
11. Katipō Spider (554 votes)
12. Rangatira Spider (514 votes)
13. Cromwell Chafer Beetle (476 votes)
14. Hura Giant Centipede (427 votes)
15. Tuatara Tick (390 votes)
16. Scree Cicada (361 votes)
17. Minute Grasshopper (320 votes)
18. Globular Springtail (309 votes)
19. Ngaro wīwī Black Cockroach-hunter Wasp (218 votes)
20. Mt Cook Flea (138 votes)