Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have identified a new species of “supergiant” marine insect that bears a striking resemblance to a classic movie villain.
Deep-sea insects, or Bathynoma These species have been regularly consumed in Vietnam since 2017, according to researchers who published their findings in the scientific journal ZooKeys. The crustaceans, members of the isopod family, are caught in deep waters, usually in the South China Sea, and sold in restaurants and other eating places. The study explored the sudden popularity of shellfish.
While conducting their research, scientists noticed a species they did not recognize. All isopods are characterized by hard, protective exoskeletons and seven pairs of legs, but they are usually incredibly small, around 2.5 centimeters. The new species evolved to become much larger, about 30 centimeters, the researchers said. There are only 11 known “supergiant” and nine “giant” Bathynomus species, and this is only the second supergiant found in the South China Sea.
Ng PKL, Sidabalok CM, Nguyen TS (2025) / ZooKeys 1223:289-310.
The species was officially named Bathynoma vaderbased on “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader. Researchers said the crustacean’s head resembled Vader’s iconic helmet.
The new species also has a segment on the back of its legs that narrows at the tip and curves slightly backwards. This helped researchers distinguish it from existing supergiant species, according to the study.
The crustacean is believed to live more than 3,000 feet underwater, CBS News partner BBC News reported, where no light reaches. The researchers said they were told the species was fished near the Spratly Islands in Vietnam. Further work will be needed to find out whether the species lives elsewhere in the South China Sea.