Thailand: Wasps named after tennis stars Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer

The influence of tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal seems unreal and extends beyond sports, inspiring not only athletes but also scientists.

Recently, upon discovering two new species of wasps, Thai researchers named the insects in honor of the two great tennis players.

In a study published in ZooKeys, entomologists from Chulalongkorn University identified the Troporhogas rogerfedereri and Troporhogas rafaelnadali species in two prominent Thai national parks, Khao Yai and Khao Sok, according to Pensoft.

This discovery brings, as stated in the study, “the total number of species of the genus known from the Indo-Malayan Region to 19.”

The researchers wanted to pay tribute to tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, whose legendary rivalry and occasional doubles partnership have captivated the sports world, by naming the two parasitoid wasps after them.

Paying tribute to tennis superstars Nadal and Federer

The honored insects “T. rogerfedereri and T. rafaelnadali are parasitoid wasps, whose larvae devour their hosts from the inside,” explained Buntika Areekul Butcher, the lead researcher.

“As their names proclaim, they honor the tennis greats Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal, who although competitors on the court have been on the same doubles team too. Also, two of the authors are huge fans of both Roger and Rafa,” as stated in Pensoft.

Belonging to the genus Troporhogas Cameron, the species within this group inhabit the Indo-Malayan region, including Thailand, India, and Vietnam. First documented in 1997 in China, they are characterized by a bicolored metasoma or hind segment, although some have a black medial section or are uniformly honey-colored, as described in the study.

Consequently, the researchers were able to identify six additional insect species, two of which have immortalized the iconic superstars Nadal and Federer in italics. These wasps are 6mm long, roughly the size of a paperclip, and exhibit black, white, and orange color patterns.

Troporhogas rafaelnadali and rogerfedereri

Named after the former world No. 1 in singles tennis, Troporhogas rafaelnadali distinguishes itself from the group with a “vertex transversely striate [back of its neck] and the raised oblique area of mesopleuron [just below its wings] immediately below subalar depression strongly finely striate.”

Troporhogas rogerfedereri, also named after a former world No. 1 in singles tennis, is unique in that it is the only known species with submedial propodeal carinae that form a wide U-shape anteriorly. It is also identifiable by its strongly transversely striated vertex, as per the study.

With their remarkable, translucent, and colorful wings, the inspired scientists observed the extraordinary anatomy and behavior of the two Thai wasps—unbeatable to any opponent they might encounter, just like the tennis duo. As avid tennis fans, the researchers naturally thought of Nadal and Federer.

While wasps may intimidate humans, they have “cool abilities” left and right. They are essential for crops, known for their family values, are pollinators, and can both sting—like Nadal and Federer—and bite. Unlike bees, they retain their stingers, which are packed with potent venom.

Notably, wasps are not to be trifled with. They have even been used as weapons. In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great reportedly launched wasp/hornet nests at his enemies using catapults. Additionally, due to their exceptional sense of smell, scientists have proposed using wasps in TSA security screenings, where they could detect contraband in suitcases.

Ultimately, while the two tennis legends have already achieved lasting fame, science has further elevated their status by naming two new species of wasps after them, honoring both the creatures’ formidable nature and their impressive qualities.