Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Swiftie Scientist Names New Australian Insect Genus After Taylor Swift
Scientists found 12 kinds of Australian insects that had not been formally described before.
Four of them were placed in a new group called Swiftiephylus.
The group was named after Taylor Swift’s fans, who are called Swifties.
Four insect species were also named using Taylor Swift and three of her albums.
The insects are pale yellow with red markings.
A researcher said their colors reminded her of Taylor Swift’s appearance.
The bugs live on she-oak plants and may spend their whole lives on one plant.
They are not known to hurt people, animals or the trees.
Giving insects official names helps scientists study and protect them.
Researchers identified 12 previously undescribed Australian plant-bug species from 593 specimens.
Four species belong to the new genus Swiftiephylus, named after Taylor Swift fans.
Four species names reference Taylor Swift, Lover, Fearless and The Tortured Poets Department.
The pale yellow insects have red markings resembling Swift’s blonde hair and red lips.
The bugs live on she-oaks, do not appear to harm trees, and formal naming supports conservation research.
- Who
- Researchers including Sarah Schroeder at the University of California, Riverside, identified the insects.
- What
- They described 12 previously undescribed species, including four in the new genus Swiftiephylus.
- When
- The study was published Wednesday; the specimens were collected between 1995 and 2004.
- Where
- The insects were collected in Australia, where they live on she-oaks.
- Why
- The naming honors Taylor Swift and draws attention to insect diversity and conservation science.
- New genus
- Swiftiephylus
- Species identified
- 12 previously undescribed species
- Species in new genus
- Four
- Specimens examined
- 593
- Host plants
- Australian she-oaks
- Scientific publication
- Insect Systematics and Evolution
- Research institution
- University of California, Riverside