Buzz
Although celebrities often exude glamour, the creatures named after them are usually far less dazzling. Many of these newly discovered species are small, such as insects or bugs. The most a modern celebrity can expect is perhaps a reptile from a remote area or, in less fortunate cases, a marine parasite.
Certain celebrities have motivated scientists and researchers due to their looks or iconic roles, leading to multiple species being named in their honor.
Involving famous names in species discovery helps bring attention to extraordinary creatures that might otherwise go unnoticed. Discovering a single new species often requires years of effort in difficult-to-access environments, such as mountain ranges or deep oceans.
Having an animal named after you is arguably one of the highest honors, even if it happens to be a parasitic wasp.
10. The Spider, Snake, and Ant Named After Harrison Ford
A Peruvian snake species, Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, was named in honor of actor Harrison Ford, acknowledging his dedication to environmental causes as vice chair of Conservation International. Known for his portrayal of Indiana Jones, a character famously afraid of snakes, Ford found the tribute humbling and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Discovered in the Andes, this harmless snake grows to about 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) in length. Scientists aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for reptile conservation amid the biodiversity crisis, as reptiles face high risks of extinction. Currently, more than 20% of the world’s reptile species are threatened.
In addition to the snake, Ford has an ant species, Pheidole harrisonfordi, and a spider from California, Calponia harrisonfordi, named after him.
9. The Horse Fly Named After Beyoncé
Pop icon Beyoncé has been honored with a horse fly named after her: Scaptia beyonceae. Discovered in Northern Queensland, Australia, the fly was officially named by scientist Brian Lessard of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Collected in 1981, the year Beyoncé was born, this fly is considered a pest in the area. Its distinctive golden-haired abdomen, reminiscent of the singer’s iconic hair, inspired its name. Researchers hope the naming will reduce the likelihood of locals swatting it.
8. The Wasp Named After Lady Gaga
A parasitoid wasp species discovered in Thailand’s Chae Son National Park was named after singer Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. The discovery was part of a “turbo-taxonomic” study that used rapid genetic analysis to identify and name specimens collected and barcoded in the country.
This method was applied to 179 species within the Aleiodes genus, including the Aleiodes gaga. Found along a nature trail, this single female wasp measures just 5mm, and little else is known about it.
The research, spearheaded by Dr. Buntika Areekul Butcher of Chulalongkorn University, sought to accelerate species discovery through a three-year survey of Thailand’s national parks. This study highlighted the importance of DNA in identifying new species in tropical areas like Thailand, which are home to countless unnamed organisms.
7. The Amphibian and Moth Named After Donald Trump
A tiny moth, Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, was named after Donald Trump shortly before he assumed the role of the 45th U.S. president. Discovered in California by researcher Vazrick Nazari from Ottawa, Canada, the moth’s golden head scales were likened to Trump’s iconic hairstyle.
The moth inhabits southern California and Mexico’s Baja California region, sparking concerns about the potential effects of Trump’s proposed border wall on local wildlife. Nazari hoped the naming would inspire Trump to focus on environmental protection and preserve fragile ecosystems that host many undiscovered species.
A year later, a blind, burrowing amphibian discovered in Panama was named Dermophis donaldtrumpi during Trump’s presidency. Aidan Bell, CEO of EnviroBuild, a sustainable building materials company, secured the naming rights by bidding $25,000 at an auction.
Bell noted that the amphibian’s tendency to bury its head in the ground mirrored Trump’s stance on climate change. The species is highly susceptible to global warming, and its naming aims to highlight these risks. The Rainforest Trust, which benefited from the auction, used the opportunity to stress the critical role of rainforest conservation in combating climate change.
This practice of naming species after political leaders follows a tradition, as seen with the numerous species named after President Barack Obama during his tenure, which we explore next.
6. The Collection of Species Named After Obama
Former U.S. President Barack Obama holds the record for the most species named after him, with nine distinct creatures bearing his name. These range from ancient lizards to trapdoor spiders and fish, found in various locations worldwide.
Among them is Aptostichus barackobamai, a trapdoor spider discovered in northern California by biologist Jason Bond, who named it in honor of Obama’s leadership and perseverance. Another is Caloplaca obamae, a firedot lichen unique to Santa Rosa Island, named in recognition of Obama’s advocacy for science and education.
The Etheostoma obama, a spangled darter fish native to Tennessee, was named in recognition of Obama’s dedication to clean energy and environmental conservation. Another species, Obamadon gracilis, is an extinct insect-eating lizard unearthed in Montana.
Tosanoides obama, a coral reef basslet fish, was discovered in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Named to honor Obama’s expansion of environmental protections, this small fish measures just 2.4 inches (6.1 centimeters) and features vibrant pink, yellow, and blue hues, with a red spot on its dorsal fin resembling Obama’s campaign logo.
In Africa, Paragordius obamai, a hairworm parasite found in Kenya, was named to reflect Obama’s Kenyan roots. Another species, Teleogramma obamaorum, an African cichlid fish, was named to acknowledge the Obamas’ contributions to science education and environmental conservation in Africa.
In Asia, Baracktrema obamai, a turtle blood fluke inhabiting the lungs of Malaysian freshwater turtles, was named for its resilience and adaptability. Lastly, Nystalus obamai, a western striolated puffbird, was named to honor Obama’s advancements in green technology and ecosystem preservation.
5. The Praying Mantis Named After Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Researchers from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History identified a new praying mantis species, naming it Ilomantis ginsburgae in tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The discovery was made by studying female mantis genitalia, a novel approach led by scientist Sydney Brannoch. The mantis was named after Ginsburg to honor her work in promoting gender equality and her iconic frilly lace collars, known as jabots.
The naming emphasizes the need to include both genders in scientific research and celebrates Ginsburg’s contributions to advancing constitutional rights and protections for women.
4. The Blood-Feeding Crustacean Named After Bob Marley
A parasitic crustacean, a gnathiid isopod, was named Gnathia marleyi in honor of Jamaican musician Bob Marley. Discovered by Paul Sikkel of Arkansas State University during a study of Caribbean coral reefs, this species pays homage to Marley’s Caribbean roots and marked the first new species described in the region in over 20 years.
Gnathia marleyi serves a unique ecological function as a blood-feeding parasite that targets reef fish. This species underscores the potential influence of parasites on marine life and the importance of studying disease transmission in ocean ecosystems. Funded by the National Science Foundation, research on this species explores the dynamics of parasite-host interactions and their effects on coral reef health.
3. The Spider Named After Bono
Biologist Jason Bond of Auburn University identified 33 new trapdoor spider species, including one in Joshua Tree National Park named Aptostichus bonoi in honor of U2’s lead singer, Bono. The park’s namesake tree was famously featured on U2’s 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.
This naming tradition follows Bond’s previous tributes to figures like Angelina Jolie, Cesar Chavez, and Stephen Colbert. Trapdoor spiders, native to the southwestern U.S., are known for constructing hidden hatches to ambush prey, a key survival tactic.
2. The Millipede Named After Taylor Swift
A millipede species frequently spotted in the Appalachian Mountains has been rechristened Nannaria swiftae in honor of pop icon Taylor Swift. Entomologist Derek Hennen of Virginia Tech chose this name as a gesture of gratitude, crediting Swift’s music for helping him navigate the challenges of graduate school. Millipedes play a vital role in the Appalachian ecosystem, aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling within forested environments.
Despite their ecological importance, millipedes are notoriously difficult to study due to their tendency to remain hidden beneath the soil. A comprehensive, multi-year research effort spanning 17 states in the eastern U.S. led to the discovery of 17 new millipede species, including Nannaria swiftae. These newly identified species boast unique characteristics, such as white legs, red and orange markings, dark-colored bodies, and specialized front-leg claws in males.
1. The Shrimp-Like Crustacean Named After Elton John
In 2015, a shrimp-like crustacean species discovered in the coral reefs of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, was named Leucothoe eltoni in tribute to legendary musician Elton John. The naming was proposed by researcher James Thomas from Florida’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, who has long admired Elton John’s musical contributions.
The crustacean was identified living inside another reef-dwelling invertebrate, a behavior referred to as “commensal association,” which is a form of parasitic interaction. Additionally, scientists in Hawaii have determined that Leucothoe eltoni has become an invasive species in their local waters.
