Crystal-Haired Creep!
Discovered in the Amazonian region of Venezuela, Sericomyrmex radioheadi is a new species of silky ants named after the famous British band Radiohead.
This was a part of a comprehensive study of the genus Sericomyrmex, a group of fungal-farming ants widespread across South and Central America.
The Radiohead Ant – Credits : Ana Ješovnik
According to researchers, Ana Ješovnik and Ted R.Schultz of the Smithsonian Institution, The rock band from Abingdon “is an excellent companion during long hours at the microscope while conducting taxonomic revisions of ants”
But the famous band name tag isn’t all that makes this ant special. It also grows its own food and is covered with a filamentous layer of white crystals.
“We wanted to honor their music” one of the authors, Ana Ješovnik, says. “But more importantly, we wanted to acknowledge the conservation efforts of the band members, especially in raising climate-change awareness.”
This isn’t the first time a species has derived its name from a Musical Artist.
Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae is a rare horse fly named after Beyonce. Lady Gaga has a group of fern species named after her and Pink Floyd inspired the name for a species of shrimp.