But this time it’s a book about bugs, not music. The famous country-pop singer Taylor Swift was the inspiration for a new species of millipede that has been discovered in southeast Tennessee.
Nannaria swiftae is a twisted claw millipede. It was discovered in an article in the journal ZooKeys. 16 additional species were also announced. This came after a multiyear, 17-state project to document different twisted claw millipedes in the Appalachian Mountains.
Derek Hennen, the lead author of this study, stated in a news release, that he named the millipede Swift after Swift’s music because it had an impact on his studies. He said that Swift’s music was instrumental in helping him get through graduate school. Therefore, naming a new species of millipede after her is his way of saying “Thank you.”
According to CBS News, he also named another species after himself. “My wife supported my Ph.D. studies. She is patient with me on hikes when I stop collecting millipedes. Naming a species in her honor was a way to express my gratitude for her support and love.
Hennen described the Swift twisted-claw milipede as a “beautiful”, part of a group known as cherry millipedes, which release a chemical defense that repels predators. It smells like cherries and almonds. He added that it is a powerful defense against predators but is safe for humans.
According to the press release, millipedes play an important role in ecosystems. They are decomposers and spend their time breaking down leaf litter and releasing nutrients to the environment. Scientists stated that they are difficult to catch because they often remain underground in the soil and sometimes stay below the surface.
“There are many new species of millipedes out there, and we have barely scratched it!” Hennen told CBS News. Hennen told CBS News that he noticed millipedes, beetles and spiders in the forests around us. New species of animals are also possible in backyards. These small animals are important to be aware of and not take for granted.
