StarStruck: Species Named After Celebrities

Neil Young's spider

A sneaky spider has been named in honor of rock musician Neil Young. Jason Bond, a biologist at East Carolina University, named a newly discovered arachnid, Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi. It is also known as a trapdoor spider. Bond said of the naming: "With regards to Neil Young, I really enjoy his music and have had a great appreciation of him as an activist for peace and justice."

Rockin' beetle

A new species of beetle that appears as if wearing a tuxedo has been named in honor of the late rock 'n' roll legend Roy Orbison and his widow Barbara. Entomologist Quentin Wheeler of Arizona State University announced the discovery and naming of the beetle, now dubbed Orectochilus orbisonorum, during a Roy Orbison Tribute Concert on Jan. 25.

Goldfinger wasp

Pycnostigmus mastersonae: named after Jill Masterson, who died of skin suffocation in the James Bond movie 'Goldfinger'; the name refers to the metallic sheen on this species (very unusual).

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

Bonded wasp

Ganaspidium flemingi: named after Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels

Tiny henchman

Anacharoides nicknacki; named after Francisco Scaramanga's henchman Nick-nack in the James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'; the name refers to the diminutive size of this species.