Tiny Beetle Named After Greta Thunberg: "You Are Never Too Small To Make A Difference"

Climate activist Greta Thunberg is only 16, but she's achieved a lot more than most of us had at that age. Now, to add another feather in her cap, she's got a tiny namesake, too. On Friday, scientists at the London's Natural History Museum said that a minute species of beetle is being named Nelloptodes gretae in her honor reports ABC News. Among the collection of millions of animal specimens, Michael Darby, a scientific associate at the museum who found the insect chose the name to acknowledge her "outstanding contribution" to raising awareness of environmental issues.

The beetle is said to have no eyes or wings, and is less than 1mm long belongs to the Ptiliidae family, which consists of some of the world’s smallest beetles. "I chose this name as I am immensely impressed with the work of this young campaigner and wanted to acknowledge her outstanding contribution in raising awareness of environmental issues," Dr. Darby said. According to The Guardian, the beetle was first found in 1965 by British naturalist Dr. William C Block in Nairobi, Kenya.

His collection was donated to the Natural History Museum in 1978. The beetle was spotted by Dr. Darby when he was studying the museum’s Spirit Collection.  Dr. Max Barclay, senior curator in charge of Coleoptera at the Natural History Museum, said, "The name of this beetle is particularly poignant since it is likely that undiscovered species are being lost all the time."

"This is even before scientists have even named them, because of biodiversity loss – so it is appropriate to name one of the newest discoveries after someone who has worked so hard to champion the natural world and protect vulnerable species," Dr. Barclay added. The beetle has been featured in The Entomologist journal’s monthly magazine. Greta Thunberg was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. However, it was awarded to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

A lot of people were happy for Greta because it felt like her efforts were being appreciated. John Temple wrote: Awe this is so sweet. She is more like a nat though. A beetle will work. Janna Ledferd added: To have one of God's creations named after you is an honor. However, there were a lot of negative comments thrashing Greta, so one woman came to her rescue. Elizabeth Donovan wrote: People can not even be nice to a child these days. I don’t know much about the beetle. It could be an important insect to our environment.