Taylor Swift inspires names of new insect species in Australia
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Researchers in Australia named a new genus of insects after Taylor Swift, recognising her influence on their work.
Sarah Schroeder, a doctoral student in entomology at the University of California, Riverside, suggested the tribute as part of a study identifying 12 new species of plant-feeding insects found on Australian oaks. The scientists published their findings in the journal Insect Systematics and Evolution on September 9.
The researchers established the genus name Swiftiephylus, using Latin-based names to reference Taylor Swift and several of her albums. They specifically named four species: Swiftiephylus taylorae after the singer herself, Swiftiephylus amator referencing her album Lover, Swiftiephylus intrepidus inspired by Fearless, and Swiftiephylus poetorum associated with The Tortured Poets Department. Schroeder, a long-time fan of Taylor Swift, explained that she wanted to honour the singer while highlighting the undiscovered diversity of insects.
She also noted a visual connection between the insects and Swift’s signature look, describing the insects' pale yellow colour and red markings as similar to Swift’s blonde hair and red lipstick.
