Leaf Sheep Crowned Invertebrate of the Year 2026

The neon-green, solar-powered sea slug *Costasiella kuroshimae*—commonly called the leaf sheep—won the Guardian’s Invertebrate of the Year competition for 2026. The global ballot, open to readers worldwide, saw the leaf sheep edge out the giant Patagonian bumblebee *Bombus dahlbomii* (second place) and the ancient horseshoe crab (third). The result reflects a close contest compared with previous years, when tardigrades and earthworms secured landslide victories.

The Guardian

Launched three years ago, the competition aims to celebrate overlooked invertebrates, which comprise roughly 97 % of all animal species. Organizers highlight the ecological services these organisms provide—pollination, water filtration, waste recycling, pollution mitigation, and soil fertility—without which human life would be unsustainable. Readers from scientists to children nominate candidates, and a shortlist of ten is whittled down through public voting.

The Guardian

• At least 1.7 million described invertebrate species exist, representing the vast majority of animal life.

The Guardian

• Hundreds of thousands of Guardian readers participated in this year’s ballot.

The Guardian

• The leaf sheep was first described by science in 1993 and has gained cultural visibility through macro-photography and a Pokémon character inspired by its appearance.

The Guardian

Broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham praised the winner, noting its striking appearance and unique ability to harvest photosynthetic material from algae, effectively building its own solar panels. Other experts, including ecologist Erica McAlister and wildlife photographer Dara Ojo, used the event to underscore the beauty and ecological importance of flies, macro-photography, and the interconnectedness of all living systems.

The Guardian

• “It’s very, very beautiful but also very smart too. It harvests photosynthetic material from the algae it feeds upon and builds its own solar panels.” — Chris Packham

The Guardian