10 Oct 2025
Critter of the Week: Astelia Lacebug
The critter for this week is the Astelia Lacebug - Tanybyrsa cumberi. This pretty little critter is the only one of its family endemic to New Zealand. They have beautiful delicate wings which resemble lace (think your grandma's favourite doily) and gives them their common name. These tiny critters are common throughout Aotearoa, living only on Astelia plants. Forest and Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki rates this critter with Jesse.