Scientists Name New Genus of Plant Bugs 'Swiftiephylus' After Taylor Swift
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have named a new genus of Australian plant bugs 'Swiftiephylus' in honor of Grammy-winning U.S. singer Taylor Swift. This new genus includes 12 new species, with four specifically named after Swift or her albums: Swiftiephylus taylorae (a Latinized version of Taylor), Swiftiephylus amator (referencing 'Lover'), Swiftiephylus intrepidus (referencing 'Fearless'), and Swiftiephylus poetorum (referencing 'The Tortured Poets Department'). The researchers cited Swift's 'show-stopping talent, heart-wrenching lyrics, and the joy and comfort she has brought to many' as the reason for the tribute. Study author Sarah Schroeder noted that the insects' pale yellow bodies with red accents reminded her of Taylor Swift's iconic blonde hair and red lips. These plant bugs, part of the Miridae family, were collected between 1995 and 2004 and are relatively harmless to their host plants, feeding on trees and shrubs in Australia.
