New Ant Species Named After Voldemort Uncovered in Australian Outback
In a fascinating crossover between the natural world and the magical universe of Harry Potter, a new species of ant discovered in Western Australia has been christened Leptanilla voldemort, after the infamous dark wizard Lord Voldemort. This naming choice reflects the ant’s characteristics, which intriguingly parallel the shadowy nature of its namesake from J.K. Rowling’s beloved series.
Researchers from the University of Western Australia detailed their find in the journal Zookeys, describing L. voldemort as a pale, slender ant with long, sharp mandibles, evoking the sinister image of Voldemort. The ant was unearthed during an ecological survey in the arid, remote Pilbara region, where it inhabits underground environments far from the light of day.
Dr. Mark Wong, who led the research team, explained the rationale behind the naming. “Both Lord Voldemort and this new species of ant exhibit traits of dwelling in the shadows, adding a layer of mystique and intrigue to our discovery,” he said. The researchers retrieved the ants by lowering a net into a deep drill hole, emphasizing the difficulty in accessing the secretive world these creatures inhabit.
The genus Leptanilla, to which L. voldemort belongs, includes only about 60 known species worldwide. These ants are noted for their small colonies and exclusively subterranean lifestyle. Adapted to their dark habitats, they are blind and devoid of pigmentation, measuring merely one to two millimeters in length.
