A “supergiant” sea bug named after Darth Vader has been found in the South China Sea

Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have identified a new species of “supergiant” sea bug that bears a striking resemblance to the classic movie villain.

Deep sea bugs or Batinom It has been eaten regularly in Vietnam since 2017, according to researchers who published their findings in the scientific journal ZooKeys. Crustaceans, members of the isopod family, are typically caught from deep waters in the South China Sea and sold in restaurants and other eateries. The study examined the sudden popularity of crayfish.

While conducting research, scientists noticed an unknown species. All isopods are characterized by hard, protective exoskeletons and seven pairs of legs, but they are usually incredibly small, about 2.5 centimeters. According to the researchers, the new species grew larger, about 30 centimeters. Only 11 “supergiant” and nine “giant” species of Bathynomus are known, and this is only the second supergiant found in the South China Sea.

The species was officially named Batinom fatherAfter the Star Wars villain Darth Vader. The researchers said that 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 bends slightly backward. This helped researchers distinguish it from existing supergiant species, the study said.

CBS News partner BBC News reports that the crustaceans are thought to live up to 3,000 feet underwater. The researchers said they were told the species was caught near the Spratly Islands in Vietnam. More work needs to be done to find out if this species lives elsewhere in the South China Sea.