bug of the year 2026
i've recently been inspired by this blog post from natalies.space, which was inspired by this Flight Rising forum post. the goal is to go outside and the first bird you find is your bird.
i'm doing my own version because i found this post after january 1st and i'm not a bird person SO my BUG of the year is the 1st bug i uploaded to iNaturalist.
my bug of the year is a Blapstinus fortis which is so uncommon that it doesn't have a common name, but it is a member of the the Tenebrionidae family of Darkling beetles! i couldn't find any info specific to B. fortis so here are some fun facts about the family:
- Tenebrio is Latin for "lover of darkness"
- most species in this family like living in dark places
- most are plant scavengers and omnivores
- the larvae are mealworms
- adults commonly have slow metabolisms and can live for up to 2 years
- some species living in deserts can collect dew drops from fog on their elytra (the hard covering over their wings)
the original Flight Rising forum post says it's not necessary to impose any special meaning on your animal of the year, but i would like to anyway.
Darkling beetles seem to embrace darkness and embody resilience. like many other beetles, they serve as the backbone of ecosystems by decomposing plants and aerating soil. their larval stage is also a common food for small reptiles, mammals, and birds alike. Darkling beetles are steadfast and courageous, and those are qualities i hope to embody this year.
i would like to embrace the darkness, and not rush to find light as soon as the sun sets. i would like to stay true to myself and treat myself and others with respect. i would like to make consistent, steady progress forward; i do not have to operate at 100% productivity everyday, but a little bit every day goes a long way. i would like to depend on others as anyone could depend on me. i would like to use the tools at my disposal to thrive in my environment.
i would love it if more people hopped onto this idea, as i think it's a fun small way to learn about the wildlife in your area, and can also be a fun writing exercise! happy 2026, may it be a lovely year for all of us :)