‘You Belong with Me:’ Taylor Swift has a new genus of bug named after her
You may have heard her songs, seen her videos, maybe even attended one of her concerts … but have you seen the new genus of Australian plant bugs named after Taylor Swift? Scientists at the University of California, Riverside recently described a new genus of plant bugs, they’ve named Swiftiephylus, in honor of the Grammy-winning […]
Taylor Swift's adoring fans, affectionately known as "Swifties," are now the pride of Australian plant bugs. Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have officially named a new genus of plant bugs Swiftiephylus in honor of the Grammy-winning U.S. singer. The genus includes 12 distinct species of plant bugs, with four of them specifically named after Taylor Swift and her albums.
The names Swiftiephylus taylorae, Swiftiephylus amator, Swiftiephylus intrepidus, and Swiftiephylus poetorum are all Latinized references to the singer and her music. The study's authors acknowledge Swift's talent, lyrical ability, and the comfort she brings to her fans, as well as the term "Swiftie" referring to her devoted fanbase.
The insects' pale yellow coloring, with red accents, mirrors Swift's iconic blonde hair and red lips, making them well-camouflaged among the flowers they inhabit.
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