A newly-discovered beetle species has been named after climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Nelloptodes gretae is less than 1mm long and has no wings or eyes.
The beetle, however, has two long pigtail-like antennae.
Scientist Dr. Michael Darby said he chose the name because he was “immensely impressed” by Thunberg’s environmental campaigning.
N. gretae was first found in Kenya in the 60s by William Block, who donated his samples to the London Natural History Museum in 1978. It has been held in one of the museum’s collections since.
Dr. Darby was studying this collection when he came across the species which remained nameless.
Darby said by naming the beetle after the Swedish girl, he “wanted to acknowledge her outstanding contribution in raising awareness of environmental issues.”
The beetle was named formally in the Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine.
Dr. Max Barclay, the museum’s senior curator in charge of beetles, said the name was appropriate because “it is likely that undiscovered species are being lost all the time, before scientists have even named them, because of biodiversity loss.”
Adding, “So it is appropriate to name one of the newest discoveries after someone who has worked so hard to champion the natural world and protect vulnerable species.”
Sources:
BBC: Greta Thunberg: New beetle named after climate activist
WSB-TV: Tiny beetle named after climate activist Greta Thunberg
WEAR: Tiny beetle named after climate activist Greta Thunberg
Featured and Top Image Courtesy Of Natural History Museum – Creative Commons License
