New Parasitic Wasp Genus Named After David Attenborough for His 100th Birthday
Tiny parasitic wasp named after David Attenborough for his 100th birthday
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
In honor of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday on May 8, scientists at the Natural History Museum in London have named a new genus of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau. The wasp, discovered in Chile, is notable for its unique T-shaped marking and highlights the importance of exploring museum collections for undiscovered species.
- 01A new genus of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau, has been named after Sir David Attenborough.
- 02The wasp was discovered in the Natural History Museum's collection, originally collected in 1983 in Chile.
- 03The species is only 3.5mm long and features a distinctive T-shaped marking on its abdomen.
- 04Scientists hope this discovery will encourage further exploration of museum collections for hidden species.
- 05Sir David Attenborough has a long history of species being named in his honor, including a critically endangered echidna.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
To celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday on May 8, researchers from the Natural History Museum in London have named a new genus of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau. This tiny wasp, measuring just 3.5mm, was found in the museum's collections, having been collected in 1983 from Valdivia province, Chile. Its name reflects a unique T-shaped marking on its abdomen. The discovery was made by volunteer Augustijn De Ketelaere during an examination of ichneumonid collections. Dr. Gavin Broad, the principal curator for insects, expressed hope that Attenborough would appreciate this tribute, as he has inspired many in the field of taxonomy through his work. The wasp's habits remain largely unknown, but it is believed to lay eggs inside other animals, similar to its relatives. This naming aims to inspire scientists globally to revisit their collections for potential new species, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This discovery encourages researchers to explore existing museum collections, potentially leading to the identification of new species, which can enhance our understanding of biodiversity.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think naming species after notable figures helps raise awareness about biodiversity?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.