“Supergiant” sea bug named after Darth Vader found in South China Sea
Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have identified a new “super-giant” species of sea bug that bears a surprising resemblance to a classic movie villain.
Deep-sea sea bugs, or Bathynomus species, have been regularly eaten in Vietnam since 2017, according to researchers who published their findings in the scientific journal ZooKeys. Crabs, members of the isopod family, are caught from deep water, usually in the South China Sea, and sold in restaurants and other eateries. The study investigated the sudden popularity of crabs.
During the research, the scientists spotted a species that they did not recognize. All isopods are characterized by tough, protective exoskeletons and seven pairs of legs, but they are usually incredibly small, about 2.5 centimeters. The new species evolved into a much larger one, about 30 centimeters, the researchers said. There are only 11 known “supergiant” and nine “giant” species of Bathynomus, and this is only the second supergiant to be found in the South China Sea.
The species received an official name Bathynomus wadersafter “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader. Researchers said the crab’s head resembles Vader’s iconic helmet.
The new species also has a segment on the back of the legs that tapers at the end and curves slightly backwards. This helped researchers distinguish it from existing supergiant species, the study said.
The crab is thought to live over 3,000 feet underwater, CBS News partner BBC News reported, where no light can reach. The researchers said they were told the species was being hunted near the Spratly Islands in Vietnam. More work will be needed to find out if this species lives elsewhere in the South China Sea.