Anophthalmus hitleri
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Carabidae |
| Subfamily: | Trechinae |
| Genus: | Anophthalmus |
| Species: | A. hitleri |
The Anopthalmus hitleri is a specied of blind cave beetle found in Slovenia in only five humid caves. Oscar Schiebel named it in 1933 when it was discovered. During this time, Hitler had recently become Chancellor of Germany. The name was a dedication to him. The full name can be translated as 'they eyeless one of Hitler'. This was acknowledged by Hitler and he sent a letter of gratitude to Schiebel. This beetle has no notable characteristics but is taken by many collectors of Hitler memorabilia and beetles, purely for what it is related to.
These beetles are assumed to be predators on smaller cave inhabitants and eat insect larvae. They are blind, hence their name. There are 136 species and under-species related to it. These beetles can sell for $1000 on the black market only because they are named after Adolf Hitler.
The name caused some backlash but it was eventually accepted by International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. There is still controversy as it is against the rules to name something after a religious figure, I guess Hitler is okay though. The insect is officially endangered because of its high demand. People can go to jail for illegally obtaining one without a government permit.
The name caused some backlash but it was eventually accepted by International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. There is still controversy as it is against the rules to name something after a religious figure, I guess Hitler is okay though. The insect is officially endangered because of its high demand. People can go to jail for illegally obtaining one without a government permit.
No comments:
Post a Comment