Chilean Wasp Honors Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday – New Species Revealed

Chilean wasp celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s centenary

Scientists at London’s Natural History Museum have unveiled a fresh genus and species of parasitic insect, christening it Attenboroughia chilensis as a tribute to the broadcaster’s 100th birthday. The discovery emerged from specimens tucked away in the museum’s vaults, where curators identified subtle morphological traits that set the wasp apart from its relatives.

“Naming this Chilean wasp after Sir David feels like a perfect homage to a life devoted to nature,”

a lead researcher told Reuters. The new taxon adds to the already rich array of South American Hymenoptera, highlighting how museum collections remain a wellspring of untapped biodiversity. With ↑ 1 new genus recorded this year, entomologists anticipate further hidden gems awaiting description. For a deeper dive into the museum’s recent finds, see the latest report from AP News.