By Dean Murray via SWNS
A newly discovered snail has been named after the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s son.
The Robert Irwin’s Banded Snail, Figuladra robertirwini, joins three other new-to-science species.
DNA analysis by Queensland Museum scientists has unearthed the true identity of 15 species of land snails, including the one named in honor of the 20-year-old conservationist and wildlife photographer.
For the past four decades, taxonomists have been confused by the Figuladra group of snails, whose shells were used as the primary form of species identification.
The species of Figuladra are found in dry vine thicket from just north of the Mary River in South East Queensland.
Queensland Museum Honoraries Dr. Lorelle Stanisic and Dr. John Stanisic OAM have unlocked the mysteries of these species through DNA analysis alongside the Australian Museum’s Dr. Frank Köhler.
Dr. Stanisic says the Figuladra group of snails are highly variable in shell characters, such as color and banding pattern, making the species difficult to tell apart on their shells alone and why DNA was crucial.
Dr. Stanisic said: “Lorelle’s study was primarily based on more than 270 dissections of reproductive structures and DNA analyses of animal tissue from which she was finally able to determine the true identity of 15 species.
@robertirwinWhat a huge honour to have a newly discovered snail species named after me! Introducing Robert Irwin’s banded snail…⬠original sound – Robert Irwin
“Four of these were new-to-science species including Robert Irwin’s Banded Snail, Figuladra robertirwini.”
Queensland Museum CEO Dr. Jim Thompson said the work of Queensland Museum scientists was wide and varied in the field of taxonomy.
“The field and research of malacology in Australia is a crucial study as the research undertaken into these mollusks can provide insights in the management and conservation of forests,” Dr. Thompson said.
“I commend the work of Queensland Museum researchers such as John and Lorelle Stanisic, whose taxonomic research contributes to the overall understanding of Australia’s fauna.”
