When it comes to naming animals, scientists often have some fun with it. Sometimes, celebrities get lucky enough to have a new species named after them.
Sting and Frank Zappa have a frog and spider named after them, respectively. But how many more celebrities can add a species to their taxonomy resume?
1. Dalai Lama Moth
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He has been a tireless advocate for non-violence, religious understanding, and universal responsibility. He has traveled to more than 67 countries and 6 continents spreading his message of peace.
His Holiness has been the focus of hope and trust for the people of Tibet since his 1959 flight into exile in India. He has based his peace philosophy on reverence for all life and the belief that everyone shares a common humanity. He has also been a tireless advocate for Tibetan independence.
2. Johnny Cash Tarantula
When celebrities reach such dizzying heights of fame that they become synonymous with their film, TV and music careers, even the animal kingdom gets a piece of the action. For example, scientists have dubbed a moth after the Dalai Lama and an insect after Johnny Depp's role as Edward Scissorhands.
The tarantula Aphonopelma johnnycashi was named after the country singer because it was found near Folsom Prison, which was featured in his famous song "Folsom Prison Blues." This spider can bite and has been known to cause painful, stinging reactions.
3. Beyonce Horse Fly
While some entomologists would prefer to reserve celebrity eponyms for species that can’t be easily categorized, others see it as a way to make scientific discoveries more accessible. The slyly named Beyonce Horse Fly (Scaptia beyonceae) is one such example.
Discovered in Australia, the fly’s voluptuous abdomen reminded entomologist Bryan Lessard of the singer’s famous song “Bootylicious.” It was the first time a horse fly has been named after a woman. Other flies and insects have been named after musicians, including the spider Pachygnatha zappa after Frank Zappa and the frog Hyla stingi after Sting.
4. Prince Charles Stream Tree Frog
In the wake of the coronation, a frog species named after King Charles has gone viral. The Prince Charles Stream Tree Frog (Hyloscirtus Princecharlesi) was discovered by Ecuadorian scientist Luis A Coloma among preserved museum specimens. He later found a few living frogs in his homeland, where they live near fast-running streams and cascades.
Amphibian Ark coordinated an event at Highgrove House to present His Royal Highness with the frog and commemorative medallion. The studio and gallery at Frabel Glass Art also made a beautiful glass sculpture of the frog.
5. John Hefner Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit
Originally described in 1984, the Hefner Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) was named in honor of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner for his financial support of the subspecies. This small-to-medium-sized rabbit feeds on a wide range of vegetation, including grasses (Monanthochloe littoralis and Fimbristylis castanea) and succulent herbs such as Borrichia frutescens.
Hefner Marsh Rabbits display territorial behavior and have home ranges that do not overlap between sexes. They are nocturnal. The Hefner Marsh Rabbit is threatened by habitat degradation and destruction due to urbanization and other development.
6. David Attenborough Plesiosaur
Sometimes a celebrity gets so famous that they get an entire genus—or taxonomic rank above species—named after them. That’s the case for this Venezuelan diving beetle, which got its namesake thanks to comedian and Late Show host Stephen Colbert.
Scientists dubbed the creature Mesosticta davidattenboroughi in honor of the popular TV host, who narrates nature documentaries. The fossilized insect was encased in yellow transparent amber and is unique because it has shorter wings than other similar species. It also has claws that look a lot like those of Johnny Depp’s character in Edward Scissor Hands.
7. Laurel & Hardy Cicadas
The cicada Baeturia laureli is named after Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. This insect is famous for its deafening chirping and is considered a culinary delight in parts of the world.
Laurel and Hardy’s chemistry and slapstick routines were unparalleled in the history of cinema. Their influence has been acknowledged by writers, musicians and other entertainers. Lou Costello named them the funniest comedy duo ever. Their 1937 film Way Out West satirises the Gene Autry musical westerns that were sweeping America at the time. The film features a glorious dance sequence and a running razzberry gag that still holds up.
8. Barack Obama Slime-Mold Beetle
Scientists often name new species after well-known people, recognizing their accomplishments or honoring them for their contributions to science. But this isn’t always a compliment. Especially when the named creature is a parasite.
The latest president to get a parasite named after him is Baracktrema obamai, a slime mold beetle that lives in the blood of Malaysian turtles. Discovered by biologist Thomas Platt, B. obamai is a parasite that causes at best mild inflammation, and at worst paralysis or death.
The president hasn’t complained. He just phoned Cornell University entomologist Quentin Wheeler to thank him.
9. Darth Vader Slime-Mold Beetle
The towering, shaggy Wookiee of the Star Wars franchise has a new namesake in the form of a tiny weevil found in New Guinea. The insect, Trigonopterus chewbacca, has dense scales that reminded scientists of the Millennium Falcon co-pilot’s fur.
U.S. President George Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld may not get a library or airport named after them. But they each have a slime-mold beetle to call their own. Three species in the genus Agathidium were recently named after them by two former Cornell University entomologists, Quentin Wheeler and Kelly Miller.
10. Madonna Water Bear
While a symbiosis between celebrity and creature is rare, it can happen. A parasitic crustacean was named Gnathia marleyi after reggae musician Robert Nesta Marley in 2002. The tiny marine creature spends the first part of its life feeding on a host fish before switching to breeding for the rest of its time.
Beyonce may not have a snake or turtle named after her, but she does have a species of horse fly—Acarina katewinsletae. Its bum resembles a shiny Beyonce boot. Scientists named it after the singer for her work in rainforest conservation.
