Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday present is… a parasitic wasp 07.05.2026

In celebration of Sir David Attenborough's upcoming 100th birthday on May 8, a new genus of parasitic wasp, *Attenboroughnculus tau*, has been discovered and named in his honor. First spotted in Chile over 40 years ago, the tiny wasp, measuring less than an inch long, was officially recognized as a new species after decades of examination by researchers at London's Natural History Museum. The wasp's name, *tau*, refers to a T-shaped marking on its abdomen. This discovery highlights the ongoing scientific endeavor to identify and understand overlooked species, a mission that resonates with Attenborough's own work in showcasing the intricate details of the natural world. This marks the latest addition to the more than 50 species already named after the esteemed naturalist.













