Nutty Nomenclature
All species of organism are given their own specific name by the taxonomist who first describes them. Every now and again the taxonomists allow themselves to have a little bit of fun. This is our guide to some more mischievously named species.
Name: Ittibittium
Don’t get it? Then you need to think an itty-bitty harder.
What is it? A genus of marine molluscs which are just a little smaller than their relatives in the genus Bittium.
Where are they found? All round the tropical coasts of the world.
When was it first named? 1993.
Who deserves the credit? Richard Houbrick, who died the same year as Ittibittium was officially named at the age of just 56.
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Is there a picture? Yep. This is Ittibittium parcum. The shells themselves are only 6-8mm long, which might account for the fact that no-one seems very interested in them apart from their name. Either people just haven't looked closely enough at them or Ittibittium really is just a bit dull.Check out some other strangely named animals here.
More regular features:
Monday: Phunny Phobias
Wednesday: Doctor Doctor
Thursday: Peculiar Periodicals
Friday: End of week timewasters
Title image: Hannah Boettcher
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