Scientist Discovers New Fly Species Named After His Late Son
Academician Rüstem Hayat identified a new flower fly species in the Erzurum region that contributes to nature and introduced it to the literature.
Prof. Dr. Rüstem Hayat from Isparta University of Applied Sciences discovered a new fly species that makes significant contributions to nature during his research in Erzurum. This newly introduced species to the scientific world was named 'Orthonevra abdullahi' to keep alive the memory of his one-year-old son who passed away 28 years ago.
Discovery of the New Species
Prof. Dr. Rüstem Hayat from Isparta University of Applied Sciences conducted comprehensive research on samples he collected around Erzurum. As a result of the research, a new fly species that plays a role in the pollination of plants was introduced to the scientific world.
With the samples obtained from the high altitudes of Erzurum, a new species was added to the hoverfly family of the Diptera order. The findings were announced by being published in the September issue of the international scientific journal Zoologischer Anzeiger.
Contributions to Nature
It was stated that the newly discovered fly species has a very beneficial character in terms of ecosystem and agriculture. It was expressed that the larvae live in soil rich in organic matter, supporting the decomposition of the soil and making minerals beneficial for plants.
It was conveyed that adult flies visit flowering plants, making serious contributions to fertilization and pollination processes. Information was shared that this species was also collected with similar examples in neighboring Georgia, alongside Erzurum.
Meaning and Origin of the Name
Prof. Dr. Rüstem Hayat gave this special species he discovered the name of his son Abdullah, who passed away at the age of one in 1998. In the name, which was Latinized in accordance with international zoological nomenclature rules, the final letter was chosen in reference to a male.
Hayat emphasized that by choosing this name, he wanted to immortalize his son's name. It was also noted that his father and nephew within the family also bear the same name.
Past Studies of the Scientist
It was recalled that new genera and species had been dedicated to Prof. Dr. Rüstem Hayat, known for his successful studies in the field of entomology, by other scientists before. It was reminded that there is one genus and four different species bearing his name in the scientific world.