A Prehistoric Predator Steals the Spotlight
In a thrilling nod to evolutionary marvels, New Zealand has crowned the velvet worm (Ooperipatellus nanumu) as its 2025 Bug of the Year. This ancient, slime-spitting invertebrate—a living fossil dating back 500 million years—captured public imagination and scientific acclaim, beating out fan favorites like the iconic wētā. With its bizarre hunting tactics and critical ecological role, the velvet worm’s victory underscores New Zealand’s push to spotlight lesser-known species in its unique biodiversity.
1. Meet the Velvet Worm: Nature’s Glue-Gun Assassin
Taxonomy & Evolution
Belonging to the phylum Onychophora, velvet worms are neither insects nor true worms but a "missing link" between arthropods and annelids. Fossils show they’ve remained virtually unchanged since the Cambrian period, earning them the nickname “evolution’s time capsule.”
Key Features:
- Toxic Superpower: Shoots sticky, protein-based slime up to 30 cm to immobilize prey (e.g., crickets, spiders). The slime hardens within seconds, entangling victims while enzymes digest them externally.
- Bioluminescence: Some species glow faintly under UV light, a trait scientists are studying for biomedical applications.
- Social Behavior: Rare among invertebrates, velvet worms hunt in packs and display parental care, with mothers secreting nutrient-rich “milk” for offspring.
2. Why the Velvet Worm Won: Science Meets Storytelling
The annual Bug of the Year contest, run by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) and Entomological Society, aims to raise awareness for overlooked species. This year’s campaign highlighted:
- Educational Impact: Over 12,000 students voted, with 34% choosing the velvet worm for its “alien-like” traits.
- Cultural Connection: Māori narratives reference the velvet worm (ngaokeoke) as a guardian of forest ecosystems.
- Conservation Urgency: 60% of New Zealand’s velvet worm habitats have been lost to deforestation and invasive species like rats.
DOC biologist Dr. Sarah Kivi noted, “This isn’t just about a bug—it’s about redefining what’s ‘charismatic’ in nature.”
3. Ecological Role: The Forest’s Silent Custodian
Velvet worms are keystone species in New Zealand’s native forests:
- Pest Control: A single worm consumes up to 1,000 invasive insects annually.
- Soil Health: Their burrowing aerates soil, aiding nutrient cycling.
- Bioindicators: Sensitive to microclimate changes, they help scientists monitor forest health.
Yet, climate change threatens their survival. Rising temperatures dry out their moisture-dependent habitats, with populations declining 7% yearly since 2020.
4. The Toxic Slime Revolution: From Forests to Labs
The velvet worm’s venomous slime has sparked a biotech gold rush:
- Medical Research: University of Auckland scientists are replicating its rapid-hardening properties for surgical adhesives.
- Eco-Pesticides: Otago-based startup BioStrike is developing non-toxic pest traps using synthetic slime.
- Materials Science: Harvard researchers call the slime “nature’s perfect glue,” inspiring next-gen polymers.
“This slime could replace microplastics in cosmetics,” said Dr. Liam Park, lead researcher at BioStrike.
5. Conservation Efforts: Saving a Living Fossil
To protect velvet worms, New Zealand has launched:
- Habitat Restoration: DOC’s Forest Guardians program replanted 8,000 hectares of native bush in 2024.
- Captive Breeding: Auckland Zoo successfully reared 15 juvenile worms, a global first.
- Community Science: The SlimeWatch app lets citizens report sightings, mapping populations in real time.
Critics argue more funding is needed. “These worms survived asteroids but might not survive us,” warned Green Party MP Eugenie Sage.
6. Global Context: Why Invertebrates Matter
New Zealand’s campaign mirrors global efforts to protect invertebrates, which comprise 97% of Earth’s species but attract just 0.3% of conservation funding. Recent wins include:
- EU’s Pollinator Initiative: Banned neonicotinoids linked to bee declines.
- Mexico’s Axolotl Campaign: Crowdfunded $2M to save the “water monster.”
7. How to Get Involved: From Backyards to Bioblitzes
- Create Habitat: Leave leaf litter and rotting logs in gardens.
- Join a BioBlitz: DOC hosts nationwide insect counts every March.
- Advocate: Push for stronger pesticide regulations and invasive species controls.
