Scientists give Sir David Attenborough a 100th birthday gift: A parasitic wasp

WorldEnvironment
7 May 2026 • 7:16 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Scientists give Sir David Attenborough a 100th birthday gift: A parasitic wasp

  • A new genus and species of parasitic wasp, named Attenboroughnculus tau, has been described by scientists at London's Natural History Museum.
  • The wasp, measuring 3.5mm, was originally collected in Chile in 1983 and identified from the museum's collections by volunteer Augustijn De Ketelaere.
  • It was named in honour of Sir David Attenborough's upcoming 100th birthday, recognising his significant contributions to natural history.
  • The insect is considered a new genus and species due to its distinct characteristics, with its species name 'tau' referring to a unique 'T' shaped marking.
  • This tribute highlights Sir David's long-standing inspiration to scientists and his work in bringing attention to often-overlooked organisms.

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