Taylor Swift has twisted-claw millipede species named after her by superfan scientist
Virginia Tech researchers publish a study detailing the Nannaria swiftae millipede alongside 17 other newly discovered species found in the Appalachian Mountains.
SKY NEWS: Virginia Tech researchers publish a study detailing the Nannaria swiftae millipede alongside 17 other newly discovered species found in the Appalachian Mountains.
US scientists have named a newly discovered twisted-claw millipede after Taylor Swift in recognition of the pop superstar's "talent as a songwriter and performer".
The Virginia Tech researchers published a study in the journal ZooKeys detailing the Nannaria swiftae millipede alongside 17 other newly discovered species found in the Appalachian Mountains in the US state of Tennessee.
The lead author of the study, Dr Derek Hennen, revealed the names of some of the species of the insect that he and his Virginia Tech team - Dr Jackson Means and Dr Paul Marek - had researched.
Tweeting a picture of the insect, he wrote: "This new millipede species is Nannaria swiftae: I named it after @taylorswift13! I'm a big fan of her music, so I wanted to show my appreciation by naming this new species from Tennessee after her. A high honor!"
He added: "Her music helped me get through the highs and lows of graduate school, so naming a new millipede species after her is my way of saying thanks."