Biology

New insect genus and four species named for Taylor Swift and her albums

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TaxonomyEntomology

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Scientists have identified a new genus of millimetric plant-feeding insects from Australia and named it after singer Taylor Swift. The genus and four species within it received names inspired by Swift and her albums, representing previously undocumented organisms in the scientific record.


This discovery expands our knowledge of Australian biodiversity and documents previously unknown insect species. The naming practice following popular culture figures can help increase public engagement with taxonomy and conservation of lesser-known species.


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Taylor Swift is now the namesake of a genus of plant-feeding insects from Australia that were previously unknown to science.

Source: New insect genus and four species named for Taylor Swift and her albums