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New species named in honour of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

The Independent·Bryony Gooch·26 days ago
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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.…

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