If you find yourself in the tropical deciduous forest of the Querétaro, Mexico, you may run into Natasha Mhatre. Or, at least, the tree cricket that bears the Biology professor’s name.
You’ll know Oecanthus mhatreae – one of the latest insect species to be discovered – by its heart-shaped wings, light olive green and brown colours, and chirp-like brief trills. Mhatre has yet to meet her namesake cricket in person, or, perhaps ironically, the person who chose to honour her with the distinction.
Nancy Collins, a Wisconsin-based citizen scientist, struck up a common-interest friendship with Mhatre years ago through Facebook. The naming of the tree cricket is a way to say thanks for all the help she’s received over the years.
“Natasha has long been a supporter of citizen scientists. For someone like me, who has no entomological training and no scientific education beyond the nursing of humans, this encouragement is vital,” said Collins, who wanted to honour Mhatre for her research around acoustic communication of insects.
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Image via Western University.