As we approach this year’s Insect Week, the Royal Entomological Society (RES) is celebrating an incredible milestone: 50 years of Aardman, the award-winning British animation studio behind some of the nation’s most beloved animated characters.
For half a century, Aardman has delighted global audiences with iconic creations including Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, combining technical innovation with warmth, humour and storytelling. More recently, the studio broke new ground with its first CGI series, and we’re especially proud to have a special connection to one of their newer stars:
Lloyd of the Flies introduces audiences to the chaotic, comic world of a young housefly and his insect neighbours, and takes the post of our first animated Royal Entomological Society Ambassador!
As an official Ambassador for the Royal Entomological Society, Lloyd has played a unique role in helping families see insects in a new light.
As the first CGI series ever produced by Aardman, Lloyd of the Flies marked a bold new chapter for the studio. Following Lloyd B. Fly, a young housefly navigating family life, friendship and the general chaos of being a tiny insect in a very big world, the series has introduced children and families to insects in a way that’s fun, warm and hilariously relatable.
“Reaching new audiences is vital if we are to inspire the next generation of insect scientists and nature champions. Aardman has an extraordinary ability to create characters people genuinely care about.
Through Lloyd, children and families are discovering that insects aren’t just background creatures – they are fascinating, resilient and essential to life on Earth.”
For us, Lloyd represents something even bigger.
At the Royal Entomological Society, we’re passionate about championing the tiny creatures that keep our ecosystems running, pollinate our crops, recycle nutrients and inspire scientific discovery.
By bringing insect characters to life with humour and heart, Aardman’s storytelling helps audiences see insects not as pests, but as fascinating, complex and important animals worthy of curiosity and care, messaging that aligns closely with the Society’s mission to improve understanding and appreciation of insects.
And what better time to celebrate than at the start of Insect Week?
As we launch another international celebration of all things insect, we’re delighted to join in marking Aardman’s golden anniversary. For 50 years, they’ve reminded us that even the smallest characters can have the biggest impact – something entomologists have known all along.
“The timing couldn’t be better – As we begin Insect Week, we’re celebrating both the creativity that has shaped animation for 50 years, and the tiny animals that quietly keep our world running.
Lloyd perfectly captures that message, that even the smallest characters can make a big impact.”
Insect Week, organised by the Royal Entomological Society, is an international celebration of insects and insect science, encouraging people of all ages to discover, observe and learn more about the remarkable diversity of the insect world.
As Aardman marks its golden anniversary, the Royal Entomological Society looks forward to continuing its collaboration, proving that great storytelling can play a powerful role in conservation, education and scientific curiosity.
Happy 50th anniversary, Aardman – Here’s to half a century of creativity, clay, comedy and courage in storytelling, and here’s to many more adventures (and antennae) to come!
