Scientists have honoured David Attenborough’s 100th birthday by naming a newly discovered parasitic wasp species after him, recognising the broadcaster’s lifelong contribution to natural history, biodiversity awareness and conservation.
Scientists have honoured veteran naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough on his 100th birthday by naming a newly identified species and genus of parasitic wasp after him.
The tiny insect, called Attenboroughnculus tau, measures just 3.5 millimetres in length and had remained unnoticed in the collections of Natural History Museum since 1983 after being collected in Chile’s Valdivia province.
Researchers only recently determined that the specimen represented not just a new species but an entirely new genus.
The discovery was detailed this week in a scientific study led by Gavin Broad, principal curator of insects at the museum.
“Sometimes taxonomic discovery is quick, you find something and describe it immediately,” Broad said. “But often it’s a slow, methodical process of working through collections built up over decades.”
The wasp was identified by volunteer researcher Augustijn De Ketelaere during a survey of ichneumon wasps, a vast family of parasitic insects that includes around 25,000 known species. Scientists believe tens of thousands more remain undiscovered.
Further examination showed the insect did not belong to any recognised genus.
“It had a unique combination of features,” Broad said, “so we had to describe a new genus to accommodate this lovely little species.”
Attenboroughnculus tau has a slender curved abdomen and belongs to a small subfamily distributed across parts of Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Guinea.
Broad said the unusual geographical spread reflects the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which began breaking apart around 180 million years ago.
“These wasps are relics of that time,” he said, “and have likely disappeared from much of the rest of the world.”
The species name “tau” refers to T-shaped markings on the insect’s abdomen that resemble the Greek letter τ.
Broad said the decision to honour Attenborough with a genus name carried special significance because genera are far less commonly named than species.
“Most genera have already been named, unlike species,” he said. “David Attenborough deserves a genus. I think everyone would agree.”
Broad added that Attenborough’s television programmes inspired him to pursue a career in science.
“I grew up watching Life on Earth and The Living Planet,” he said. “It was through David Attenborough that I first understood what a taxonomist was.”
Attenborough has had more than 50 species named after him, including fish, birds, reptiles, insects and plants, along with several genera.
After learning of the wasp’s name, Attenborough sent Broad a handwritten note thanking him for the honour.
Born on May 8, 1926 in Isleworth, England, Attenborough first appeared on the BBC in 1954 with Zoo Quest.
Twice knighted, he holds more than 30 honorary degrees and continues working well into his second century. His latest project is Secret Garden, a series exploring wildlife in British backyards.
“Attenborough has transformed how we see life on Earth,” Broad said. “He’s revealed the hidden lives of plants and animals, and in recent years, he’s become one of the most powerful voices urging us to protect the natural world.”
