Scientists describe newly discovered plant-feeding insects from Australia and name several of the species after singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The work is led by researchers at the University of California, Riverside and includes a paper detailing multiple newly identified species.
Across outlets, the naming is presented as a way to honor Swift and her public persona. Phys.org reports that the insects include a genus and four species named for Swift and themes tied to her albums. Variety reports that researchers name several species after Swift and describes the publication of a paper covering 12 new species. Both accounts describe the insects as previously unknown to science and emphasize that they feed on plants.
While the sources align on the core facts—that the insects are newly discovered, plant-feeding, Australian, and named after Swift—the exact scope differs in emphasis: Phys.org highlights a genus plus four species, while Variety emphasizes a broader set of 12 new species.
