Thu Sep 26 13:31:22 UTC 2024: ## Beetle Named After National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore
**Lincoln, Nebraska** – A new beetle species, discovered in Bolivia and measuring just over half an inch in length, has been named *Bothynus sartorei* in honor of renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. The naming is a tribute to Sartore’s tireless work in documenting the world’s biodiversity through his “Photo Ark” project.
Dr. Brett Ratcliffe, emeritus professor of entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, made the announcement last month. Ratcliffe, who has known Sartore for over 15 years, expressed his admiration for the photographer’s dedication to conservation, stating that “He’s an excellent speaker, he galvanizes his audiences. He’s doing a great job for society and for nature and for the planet.”
The *Bothynus sartorei*, a dark reddish-brown beetle, is the only known specimen of its kind and was discovered by a collector in Canada. Ratcliffe and co-author Ronald Cave, professor of entomology at the University of Florida, are currently working on a comprehensive study of Bolivian beetles, which will include the *Bothynus sartorei* as part of a larger collection of rhino beetles.
Sartore, known for his stunning portraits of endangered species, was both surprised and honored by the naming. He sees the recognition as a symbol of the importance of protecting even the smallest creatures, saying “It’s a small beetle, but I’m a big fan of the little creatures because they make the world go round.”
The “Photo Ark” project, launched in 2006, aims to capture images of all species in human care, totaling around 20,000. Sartore believes the project, which could take another 15 years to complete, will serve as a vital record of Earth’s diverse wildlife.
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