A Chilean wasp has been named in honour of Sir David Attenborough in celebration of his 100th birthday.
Scientists from London’s Natural History Museum have described a new genus and species of parasitic wasp found within the museum’s collections and named it as a birthday present for the famous broadcaster and natural historian, set to celebrate the milestone birthday on Friday.
While wasps may not be as universally beloved as Sir David, there’s no doubt that the natural historian would appreciate Attenboroughnculus tau, named as a tribute to him. Previously, Sir David has spotlighted parasitoid wasps in his documentaries, describing them as “body snatcher wasps” in The Trials of Life.
Measuring at just 3.5 milimetres in body length, this wasp was originally collected in 1983 in the Valdivia province of Chile; only recently did volunteer Augustijn De Ketelaere spot the wasp’s unusual characteristics while undertaking a detailed examination of the ichneumonid collections.
The newly described insect is both a new species and genus because it is so distinct from its closest relatives that it can’t logically fit into any other established genus.
The species name tau refers to a striking ‘T’ shaped marking on the insect’s abdomen; this insect is believed to be one of the least understood groups of wasps, according to Dr Gavin R Broad, principal curator for insects at the Natural History Museum.
Many other species have been named after the natural historian, from Euptychia attenboroughi, a rare Amazonian butterfly, to Attenborosaurus conybeari – a dinosaur that roamed Europe during the Sinemurian stage of the early Jurassic period.
The curator said that Sir David was an inspiration to him and many others at the museum as he has worked over the past eight decades to bring attention to organisms that are often overlooked due to their small size or unusual life histories.
Dr Broad said: “When I was far too young, I learnt about taxonomy from David Attenborough’s Life on Earth series and resolved to be a taxonomist. Amazingly, I ended up a taxonomist, so I have Sir David to thank for that.”
Sir David has a close relationship with the Museum as the face of its first ever immersive experience, Our Story with David Attenborough. In the experience, the natural historian gives a voice over to tell the story of planet earth and the people and creatures that live on it.
The gardens of the museum also displays a quote from the broadcaster installed in bronze lettering: “The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands.”
Jennifer Pullar, science communications manager at the Natural History Museum, said: “We hope to inspire global scientists to take another look in their collections to see if there is something small that could contribute to our collective understanding and therefore the future of our natural world.”
