At our museum, there are always new, unknown species that are being described and given a scientific name. This wasp from Papua-New Guinea is currently being described, and we are now looking for its “godfather.” Please find its characteristics described below. What ideas come into your head when reading this description? What does it remind you of? What name would suit it?
The name must consist of two parts, the first of which designates the genus (Dolichurus) and is capitalised. The second part names the species and is written in small letters. You need not worry about the nomenclature rules, as our scientists will be able to adapt your suggestion to the Latin language. These scientists will also sit on the committee that selects the winning name suggestion. However, the name will only become official once it has been used in the published scientific description of the species.
Please send us your suggestions between January 08th and 14th 2018 and let us know what made you choose that name. Is there a story behind it? The person whose suggestion will be accepted will be named as a co-author of the description of the new species. We look forward to your suggestions.
Characteristics
Appearance
This shiny, ebony-black wasp is part of the cockroach wasp family, which are the closest relations to bees. This is a primeval spheciform wasp with a very distinctive face (clypeus).
Origin
The species shown here is the first spheciform wasp to be detected in Papua-New Guinea. It closes a major gap in the distribution of wasps between the Australian and Southeast Asian species.
Behaviour
Because of its habit of half-jumping, half-flying, some scientists claim that this genus is the most restless genus they know. These wasps do not build nests, but deposit their prey, cockroaches paralysed by their sting, in existing cavities to feed their young.
Please send us your suggestions between January 08th and 14th 2018 to beteiligen@mfn-berlin.de.