A new species of Ghost Wasp has been discovered in Leliyn (Edith Falls) in the Northern Territory's Nitmiluk National Park, NT.
The remarkable species, now known by its common name, the "Mam-Burrumurl wasp," represents a significant milestone in scientific discovery and First Nations collaboration.
The Mam-Burrumurl wasp, scientifically named Gasteruption mamburrumurl, was recently discovered by Nick Volpe and Lucyna Kania.
The name, combining "mam" meaning 'ghost' and "burrumurl" meaning 'wasp,' beautifully captures the wasp's distinctive floating and searching flight pattern, reminiscent of a ghost.
The name was chosen in consultation with First Nations custodians, particularly Lisa Mumbin, Jawoyn Association chair, who, along with the Board, provided permission to use the Jawoyn language for this new species.
Dr Ben Parslow, the Collection Manager of Terrestrial Invertebrates at the South Australian Museum and Australia's leading expert on Gasteruption Wasps, is the lead author of the paper describing this new species and documenting its biology. The paper will be published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy and will be freely accessible to all.
Dr Parslow, who has a longstanding connection to MAGNT, having volunteered in the Natural Science department during his teenage years, has meticulously described this new species.
Mr Volpe and Ms Kania, who are co-authors on the paper, have been instrumental in documenting and raising awareness of the Northern Territory's lesser-known biodiversity.
The discovery not only introduces a new species but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between Western science and Traditional Custodians of Country. Although previously unknown to Western science, the joint naming of this species honours the Jawoyn people as the traditional owners of Nitmiluk National Park and acknowledges them as Australia's first scientists.
Mr Volpe and Ms Kania's passion for citizen science, photography and wildlife led them to the discovery of this wasp. Their engagement with Dr Parslow confirmed the species as new to Western science.
Recognising the significance of the wasp's discovery on Jawoyn Country and at a culturally important location, the team felt it crucial to involve the First Nations custodians in the naming process.
Mr Volpe and Ms Kania said: "We are incredibly honoured to document the first ever photos of the Mam-Burrumurl Wasp and to collaborate with Jawoyn Association in naming this new species."
"This discovery is not only a testament to the rich biodiversity of Nitmiluk National Park but also shows there is still so much to learn about our invertebrate world," they said in a joint statement.
"Working together with Dr Parslow, Northern Territory Parks & Wildlife and the Jawoyn Association has been a truly enriching experience, highlighting the importance of integrating Western science with traditional knowledge.
"We hope this collaboration with Jawoyn continues to pave the way forward in fostering greater respect and recognition for the ongoing stewardship of First Nations peoples of Country. Whose ongoing custodianship of the land and seas we live on has enriched our joint understanding of the natural world. We also hope discoveries like this help inspire people to look closer at the minibeasts that are interacting around us all the time."
Dr Parslow said "discovering and documenting Australia's insects, especially this fantastic new species of Ghost Wasp, is incredibly exciting".
It has been immensely rewarding to collaborate with a talented team of scientists and First Nations custodians to name this species in honour of the Jawoyn people," he said.
