9 Times Scientists Named Newly Discovered Species after Musicians.

Everybody loves music, and probably has a favourite band or singer, but when scientists are obsessed with a singer or a band, and happen to discover a species that maybe has some kind of resemblance to their idol; golden-haired flies are named Scaptia Beyonceae. However, not always they need to search for reasons and similarities between a musician and their discovery. They can just name something Bumba Lennoni because they love the Beatles.

Here is a list of 9 times when scientists named newly discovered species after musicians, either because of certain similarities or die-hard fandom.

Sericomyrmex Radioheadi

(Image Credit: Ana Ješovnik; CC-BY 4.0)

Named after the rock band Radiohead, this species of ants, belongs to the genus Sericomyrmex. What’s interesting is that these ants are popularly known as the “fungus-farming ants” (Meaning that they can farm their own food) This group of ants is widespread across South and Central America.

“We wanted to honor their music,” said Ana Ješovnik, one of the authors of the paper published in ZooKeys, in a statement. “But more importantly, we wanted to acknowledge the conservation efforts of the band members, especially in raising climate-change awareness.”