Scientist names newly discovered wasp species after his retiring teacher

Kozhikode: In honour of his beloved professor, a scientist named a newly discovered wasp species after him. Dr. Girish Kumar P, Principal Scientist at the Zoological Survey of India, named the species after his former zoology professor, Dr. Bobby Jose, as a tribute to his mentorship and contributions to zoological studies.

The wasp, discovered in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, has been officially named Spilomena bobbyjosey. This unique honour coincides with Dr. Bobby Jose’s retirement as Principal of Devagiri College, Kozhikode, on May 31.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Girish Kumar credited Dr. Bobby Jose’s unwavering support and guidance as instrumental in shaping his two-decade-long taxonomic research career. He emphasised that his mentor’s encouragement played a key role in his scientific achievements.

The newly identified wasp belongs to the Aphid Wasp group and marks the eleventh Spilomena species recorded in India. Dr. Girish Kumar conducted this research alongside scientist Amal, and the findings were published in a research manual jointly released by the Entomological Society of Iran and Tarbiat Modares University.