Scientists have named a newly discovered ancient wasp species after Australian Formula One driver Oscar Piastri.
The insect was found in northern Myanmar preserved inside Burmese amber. It dates from the middle Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs lived on Earth. The new species has been given the scientific name Gwesped Piastrii.
The name was announced in a research article in the June issue of the academic journal Palaeoworld. The scientists said they chose Piastri’s name to honour his achievements in Formula One. They also said the orange colour of the amber reminded one of the researchers of McLaren’s famous orange colour. Piastri drives for the McLaren Formula One team.
Piastri has won nine grands prix and is known as one of the sport’s rising stars. The 25-year-old from Melbourne finished third in last season’s championship. He lost out to his teammate Lando Norris by 13 points, while four-time champion Max Verstappen finished second.
The Cretaceous period ended 65 million years ago. Finding insects preserved in amber helps scientists learn more about life from the distant past.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
