Australian spider named after David Attenborough
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File photo David Attenborough. A newly discovered Australian spider measuring little more than a millimetre in length has been named after celebrated British scientist and broadcaster David Attenborough, reports said on Saturday. -- PHOTO: AFP
SYDNEY (AFP) - A newly discovered Australian spider measuring little more than a millimetre in length has been named after celebrated British scientist and broadcaster David Attenborough, reports said on Saturday.
The minuscule arachnid, which is found only on Horn Island, in Australia's Torres Strait, was named prethopalpus attenboroughi by its discoverers, according to Mr Alec Coles, head of the Western Australian Museum.
"Prethopalpus is commonly known as a goblin spider, making this species Attenborough's goblin spider," public broadcaster ABC reported Mr Coles as saying.
Attenborough was presented with the honour at a ceremony in Perth where he was given a framed picture of the spider.
