Scientists Discover Ghostly New Species 80 Feet Underground

New research conducted by the University of Western Australia has discovered a new species of subterranean ant that shares some traits with a well-known Harry Potter villain. The research, published in Zookeys, describes the new species Leptanilla voldemort as a pale ant with a slender build, spindly legs, and long, sharp mandibles.

Lead researcher Dr Mark Wong, a Forrest Fellow from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences, said its name (L. voldemort for short) paid homage to the dark wizard Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series.

“The fearsome antagonist in Harry Potter and the ant both have a ghostly and slender appearance, and live in the shadows,” Dr Wong said.