Scientists name new species of tiny, wingless beetle with long pigtail-like antennae after Greta Thunberg after it spent 54 years without a name
- The beetle was discovered in 1965 in Kenya but has been nameless ever since
- A Natural History Museum scientist found it in a collection and officially named it
- Dr Michael Darby said he has been ‘immensely impressed’ by Greta’s work
Greta Thunberg has had a species of beetle named after her for her ‘outstanding contribution’ to raising awareness of climate change.
The Nelloptodes gretae – which had no name beforehand, despite being discovered 50 years ago – has no eyes, no wings, and is just 1mm long.
It does, however, have long antennae on its head which resemble pigtails like those the campaigner wears.
Experts at the Natural History Museum in London chose to name the beetle after Greta in honour of her ‘immensely impressive’ work.
She has risen to fame for fearless, straight-talking environmental campaign which has seen her in front of world governments and TV screens despite only being 16.
Greta’s beetle is only 1mm long and it doesn’t have any eyes or wings – but the Natural History Museum said it was ‘honouring’ the teenager
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg takes part in a march and rally at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, Canada on Friday, October 18
Dr Michael Darby, a scientific associate at the museum, found the insect in its collection of millions of animal specimens.
It had been found by British naturalist Dr William Block in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1965, and was donated to the Natural History Museum in 1978.
It spent decades unidentified and unnamed, the museum told MailOnline, before its classification as a completely new species was revealed recently.
Dr Darby said he chose the name, which includes the suffix ‘gretae’, to acknowledge her ‘outstanding contribution’ to raising awareness of environmental issues.
It is part of the Ptiliidae family of beetles, which includes some of the world’s smallest insects.
‘I chose this name as I am immensely impressed with the work of this young campaigner,’ said Dr Darby.
‘And I wanted to acknowledge her outstanding contribution in raising awareness of environmental issues.’
This photo issued by Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, shows the new species of beetle Nelloptodes gretae, named after Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg. The scientific paper written by Dr Michael Darby describes and names the new species of beetle Nelloptodes gretae that measures about one millimetre (0.04 inch) long
Dr Darby spotted the beetle while he was studying the museum’s Spirit Collection.
Dr Max Barclay, senior curator in charge of Coleoptera at the Natural History Museum, said: ‘The name of this beetle is particularly poignant since it is likely that undiscovered species are being lost all the time, before scientists have even named them.
‘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.’
The beetle has been featured in The Entomologist journal’s monthly magazine.
Ms Thunberg was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, which was later awarded to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.