Wasp named after Lucius Malfoy just needs your love and understanding

A Potterhead/wasp enthusiast has managed to combine his two passions. Wow, don't get to say that very often.

In a recent paper Thomas E. Saunders (PhD candidate at the University of Auckland) discovered and described a new species of stingless wasp, and he named it Lusius malfoyi.

Sound familiar? That's because it's named after Lucius Malfoy, antagonist and generally terrible dad from the Harry Potter series.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In his published paper Saunders explains his strange choice of name for the insect:

This species is named after Lucius Malfoy, a character in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories, for two reasons. First, the study of parasitoid wasps can be described as an enjoyable and ‘magical’ experience. Second, the fictional namesake and his family have a sinister reputation in the Harry Potter stories. However, in the end their reputations are salvaged. This parallels the way in which many people view ‘wasps’ in a fearful way, even though only a small proportion of wasp species cause damage or harm. We hope that a more nuanced understanding of wasps can be achieved through educating people about their diversity, ecology and behaviour.

A little harsh on the wasp, being named after the Potterverse's most pathetic Death Eater, but each to their own...

So there you have it, a nuanced interpretation of J.K. Rowling's morally ambiguous character is being used to send a message about the importance of wasps. Because that's what science is all about.