Sir David Attenborough’s profound influence on public understanding of the natural world has led countless researchers to honour him by naming newly discovered species in his recognition.
From delicate butterflies to ancient dinosaurs, the revered naturalist has lent his name to a remarkable array of flora and fauna.
In honour of Sir David’s 100th birthday on 8 May, here is a selection of these fascinating species.
Attenborough’s hawkweed (Hieracium attenboroughianum)
This wildflower holds the distinction of being the first living species in the UK and Ireland named after him.
It was discovered in 2004 in the Brecon Beacons but it took a decade for scientists to establish whether or not it was actually new.
Taxonomist Tim Rich, who was part of the team of researchers that discovered the wildflower, told the Guardian that he decided to name the “special little plant” after Sir David as “he inspired me to study ecology when I was 17.
“This is a personal thank you for the years of fascination he has given me going to different places to search for new things.”
Sir David said: “Bestowing a name on a new species is surely one of the greatest of biological compliments and I am truly grateful.
“It is an added joy that Hieracium attenboroughianum should be so beautiful and live in such a lovely part of the country.”
Euptychia attenboroughi
A rare Amazonian butterfly, found in the lowland tropical forests of the upper Amazon basin across Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
Trigonopterus attenboroughi
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
An Indonesian species of flightless weevil belonging to the genus Trigonopterus.
Electrotettix attenboroughi
A diminutive pygmy grasshopper.
Attenborough’s pitcher plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii)
An extraordinary plant endemic to Palawan Island in the Philippines.
Zaglossus attenboroughi
A long-beaked echidna inhabiting the highland forests of New Guinea.
Attenborosaurus conybeari
A dinosaur that roamed Europe during the Sinemurian stage of the early Jurassic period.
Sir David told the Washington Post in 2015 that this was his favourite of all the flora and fauna named after him.
Ctenocheloides attenboroughi
A ghost shrimp from Madagascar, notable for its pectinate claw fingers.
Materpiscis attenboroughi
A placoderm fish fossil discovered in the Gogo area of north-west Western Australia.
Blakea attenboroughii
A spectacular tree species found exclusively in Ecuador.
