Current:Home > reviewsRobert Irwin, son of 'Crocodile Hunter', reveals snail species in Australia named for him -MoneyMentor
Robert Irwin, son of 'Crocodile Hunter', reveals snail species in Australia named for him
View
Date:2025-04-17 23:49:59
Being the son of Steve Irwin "The Crocodile Hunter" may make Robert Irwin closely associated with the ferocious reptilian predators.
But on Monday, the 20-year-old zookeeper announced on social media that an entirely different species has been named for him. A newly-discovered species of snail in southeast Queensland has been dubbed the "Robert Irwin's Banded Snail" to honor the son of the late Steve Irwin for his conservation efforts.
"What an honor," Irwin said in a video he shared on social media site X.
"It means a lot," Irwin continued. "Snails rule."
New species discovered:New anaconda species said to be largest ever found during filming of Will Smith docuseries
Robert says snails are 'a very important part of the ecosystem'
Irwin expressed a love for snails in the video he shared, hinting to the important role the creatures play in the ecosystem.
Snails are known to combine their slime with ground particles to improve the structure of soil. Many species also eat fungi, decaying plant matter and other unusual material that are difficult to digest, helping with decomposition.
Snails are also a source of food for many other animals, including birds, hedgehogs, moles, amphibians and reptiles. A few species, however, can also be harmful to human crops and garden.
"I'm really passionate in not only protecting the big iconic species – koalas, crocodiles, kangaroos – but also the smaller animals," Irwin said. "I love snails and they're definitely in need of our protection; these little legends are so cool and a very important part of the ecosystem."
Robert Irwin not the first in family with snail named for him
Coincidentally, Robert Irwin is not the first in his famous family to have a snail named after him.
His father Steve, who died in 2006 from an injury caused by a stingray, long ago had a snail named in his honor: the Crikey steveirwini, a rare rainforest tree snail with a creamy yellow and coppery brown spiral bands
Robert Irwin's sister Bindi Irwin also has a snail named for her, as does his mother Terri Irwin.
Terri Irwin became the inspiration behind a species of red-striped snail, called Protolinitis terriirwinae. This snail originates from the rainforest area of North Queensland, according to the Queensland Museum.
"It must be a right of passage in the Irwin family to have a snail named after you," Robert Irwin said in another video shared Wednesday on X. "We love a snail in the Irwin family."
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]
veryGood! (161)
Related
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Sumitomo Rubber closing western New York tire plant and cutting 1,550 jobs
- US to tighten restrictions on energy development to protect struggling sage grouse
- Wife of southern Illinois judge charged in his fatal shooting, police say
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Flooding closes interstate as heavy rains soak southeast Georgia
- Flooding closes interstate as heavy rains soak southeast Georgia
- Teresa Giudice's Husband Accused of Cheating by This House of Villains Costar
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Despite Climate Concerns, Young Voter Turnout Slumped and Its Support Split Between the Parties
Ranking
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Monkeys still on the loose in South Carolina as authorities scramble to recapture them
- Target's 'early' Black Friday sale is underway: Here's what to know
- Georgia Senate Republicans keep John Kennedy as leader for next 2 years
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Christina Hall Officially Replaces Ex Josh Hall With Ex-Husband Ant Anstead on The Flip Off
- Kirk Herbstreit announces death of beloved golden retriever Ben: 'We had to let him go'
- Minnesota man kills two women and two children at separate homes before killing himself, police say
Recommendation
2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
Minnesota man kills two women and two children at separate homes before killing himself, police say
Tim Walz’s Daughter Hope Walz Speaks Out After Donald Trump Wins Election
Democrats retain 1-seat majority control of the Pennsylvania House
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Florida environmental protection head quits 2 months after backlash of plan to develop state parks
A Fed rate cut may be coming, but it may be too small for Americans to notice
Massive corruption scandal in Jackson, Miss.: Mayor, DA, councilman all indicted