Vietnam praying mantis named after Sir David Attenborough

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‘Very large and robust’ praying mantis discovered in Vietnam is named after David Attenborough

  • Belgian researchers have called the animal ‘Titanodula attenboroughi’
  • Sub-species was found in the Annamite mountains of central Vietnam 
  • Discoverers honoured Attenborough as he is ‘one of the world’s most beloved naturalists’

By Joe Pinkstone For Mailonline and Afp

Published: | Updated:

A brand new species of praying mantis has been discovered in Vietnam and named after David Attenborough. 

Belgian researchers found the ‘very large and robust’ sub-species while on a recent expedition to the Annamite mountains.

The Royal Belgian Society of Entomology researchers called the species ‘Titanodula attenboroughi’. 

They decided to honour the British TV presenter with their nomenclature because Attenborough is ‘one of the world’s most beloved naturalists’, they say. 

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Researchers decided to honour the British TV presenter with their nomenclature because Attenborough (pictured)  is 'one of the world's most beloved naturalists', they say

Belgian researchers found the ‘very large and robust’ sub-species Titanodula attenboroughi while on a recent expedition to the Annamite mountains. Pictured, the newly discovered species and David Attenborough 

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The Belgian Journal of Entomology describes the new-found insect as a ‘very large and robust praying mantis’.

It has a triangular head, antennae filiform, long but robust pronotum and a smooth dorsal surface.

Mantises were once assigned to the catch-all Herodula genus – dubbed a ‘wastebasket taxon’ by the journal.

However, species within this group differ significantly in one noticeably fashion, the male genitalia. 

The genus has all forms of morphology for the male reproductive region and this can be used to categorise and discern between different groups.   

The research has allowed scientists to assign Attenborough’s eponymous mantis to a new group, Titanodula.

Attenborough was director of programming for British public broadcaster the BBC in the 1970s, but is best known for presenting an ambitious series of wildlife documentaries, beginning with Life on Earth in 1979.

He is a much-loved public figure and has received other honours, including a knighthood.

In 2016 the British polar research vessel was named the RRS Sir David Attenborough despite a poll of Internet users suggesting it be dubbed ‘Boaty McBoatface’.