With over 10 Grammy Awards, 30 American Music Awards, and 2 Brit Awards, Taylor Swift is no stranger to stepping onto the stage to accept accolades.
However, the most recent honor bestowed upon this star may also be the most unusual: a new species of millipede has been named after her.
The millipede species Nannaria swiftae. (Photo: Daily Mail)
Researchers at Virginia Tech in the United States have named the new arthropod species Nannaria swiftae as a token of gratitude to Taylor Swift for her contributions to the music industry.
Derek Hennen, the lead author of the study, stated, “Her music helped me through tough times during graduate school. Therefore, naming a new species of millipede after her is my way of saying thank you.”
Nannaria swiftae is one of 17 new millipede species recently discovered in the Appalachian Mountains of North America.
The research team noted that the spiral-footed millipede plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Living on the forest floor, these millipedes consume leaves and other decaying plant matter, subsequently releasing nutrients back into the soil.
Singer Taylor Swift. (Photo: AFP)
In this new study, the team of experts traveled to 17 states across the U.S. to search for this millipede species. They aimed to sequence their DNA and compare it with preserved specimens.
In total, they analyzed 1,800 specimens and discovered 17 previously unknown species.
This new species measures between 18 to 38 mm in length and features a brown or shiny black body with white, red, or orange spots, and white legs. The males possess small, twisted, and flattened claws on their front legs.
Alongside Nannaria swiftae, another new millipede species named Nannaria marianae was named after Derek Hennen’s wife.
Last month, scientists also named an extinct squid species after U.S. President Joe Biden.
