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 U.S.
The genus contains 12 new species of plant bugs.
Four of the insects are named after Taylor Swift or her albums: Swiftiephylus taylorae, Swiftiephylus amator, Swiftiephylus intrepidus, and Swiftiephylus poetorum.
The first is a Latinized version of Taylor; the others are references to her albums “Lover,” “Fearless” and “The Tortured Poets Department.” The authors write that the insects were named after Taylor Swift, “in recognition of her show-stopping talent, heart-wrenching lyrics, and the joy and comfort she has brought to many.
The term ‘Swifitie’ refers to Swift’s loving fanbase,” the study notes.
Study author and “Swiftie” Sarah Schroeder said in a press release that she named the insects after Taylor Swift’s appearance.
“Taylor Swift’s iconic look is her blonde hair and red lips.
These insects are pale....
