The toilet moth fly has been voted 'Insect of the Year 2023'

This year, the "Insect of the Year" award was organized for the second time by the Taxon Foundation, the EIS Insect Knowledge Centre, the Netherlands Entomological Society, and Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Five unique native insects, each represented by a Dutch celebrity, competed for the coveted title over the past three weeks. This is an important initiative, as these undervalued creatures are essential to our planet; there are some 20,000 species in the Netherlands alone. It's high time for an image overhaul, according to the initiators.

Exciting battle

It was a thrilling battle between the toilet moth fly, the golden eye, the beaver beetle, the woodland cockroach, and the common dipteran—five species that are less well-known, but which do have a fascinating story. After surprising twists and turns, with positions constantly shifting, the toilet moth fly ( Clogmia albipunctata ) ultimately took the crown and named itself "Insect of the Year 2023." This puts the toilet moth fly in the footsteps of the water scorpion, the unusual insect that won the first "Insect of the Year" election in 2022.

The five nominated insects of 2023 (Source: Insect of the Year)

The refreshing toilet moth mosquito

The winning insect is a mosquito that doesn't sting and resembles a fluffy butterfly with water-repellent hairs. It's content with a little water and sometimes a bit of nectar. "The toilet moth fly doesn't live up to its name," Bouma explains enthusiastically. "It's called a moth fly because it resembles a small butterfly with a fluffy body and beautifully hairy wings. The creature's antennae are like little chains of long hairs that resemble eyelashes. Ambassador Hanna Bervoets didn't call it a cute little fluffball for nothing."

The toilet moth fly is not only stunningly beautiful but also refreshing. The larvae feed on organic waste containing bacteria, thus helping with cleaning. "They're often found in houses because there are often corners where organic waste is rotting," says Jan Wieringa, a researcher at Naturalis Biodiversity Center. "That could be in a toilet, but also somewhere in a sink or even in a coffee maker. It's a creature that helps you clean up. Only when you see the photo of this tiny toilet moth fly do you realize what a beauty it is."

The toilet moth fly (Clogmia albipunctata) is 'Insect of the Year 2023' (Source: Peter Koomen)

Meanwhile, the general public has also recognized the splendor of this beauty. With a whopping 34 percent of the votes, the toilet moth fly took home the title, followed by the golden eye, which received 27 percent. Because people often see them near toilets, they unfortunately still get squashed frequently. A shame, because it smells much fresher after the toilet moth fly has been at it.

Winner is being sought and investigated

As "Insect of the Year 2023," the toilet moth fly will receive extra attention for a year. Scientific research will be conducted on this animal, and a field trip will be organized where entomologists will search for the winner. Anyone who voted will be allowed to join the field trip. This person has since received an email invitation. Three books were also raffled among the voters: Wie Wat Bewaart (Who What Saves) (Menno Schilthuizen & Freek Vonk), Insectenrijk (Aglaia Bouma), and Huisgenoten (Aglaia Bouma).

Text: Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Image: Peter Koomen; Insect of the Year