10 species of animals, named after celebrities

In recent years, biologists have increasingly called the new species after celebrities. As a result, according to various estimates, from 17,000 to 24,000 animals, plants and micro-organisms are named after famous singers, actors, politicians and other celebrities.

So, get acquainted with some representatives of the animal world, which are well-known names:

1. Parasite Bob Marley

A small crustacean creature that parasite on fish in the Caribbean was named Gnathia marleyi, in honor of the reggae star Bob Marley. "I named this species, which is a true natural wonder, after Marley because I have great respect for the music Marley and admire her," said Paul Sikkel, a marine biologist at the University of Arkansas.

2. Beyonce Gadfly

newfound rare kind of gadfly Scaptia beyonceae got its name after the famous American singer Beonse. This happened in January 2012. Scientist Brian Lessard admitted that he gave the name of Beyonce Gadfly because gold hairs on the chest of the animal. These hairs resemble a biologist about the singer.

3. Fish Richard Dawkins

The name of Richard Dawkins is not a fish, but a kind of fish, which includes 4 types. Dawkins himself the fact that his name was named the newly discovered species of fish, very flattered. "I am very happy that now my name is called a genus of fish. These fish are very beautiful. "According to Dawkins, it does not hurt that these fish occupy a fairly low place in the evolutionary chain.

4. Lemoore John Cleese

newfound view of lemur named after the actor and comedian John Cleese in 2005-th year. Lemur Avahi cleesei lives in Madagascar. Urs Talmann, the scientist who discovered this type of lemur, said he called the name of the animal actor in return for the promotion of nature conservation in many films with his participation. Cleese was very touched by the gesture and the scientist admitted that he loves lemurs.

5. Beetle George W.

Yes, there is such a beetle named after the former US president. But Bush - not the only American politician, in whose honor was named the insect. In 2005, the year the new species of beetles have been named in honor of Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Quentin Wheeler, a member of the team of scientists who discovered three species of beetles, says that he considers himself politically conservative man, and that in this way he wanted to express their political position. According to Wheeler, Bush thanked him for this gesture.

6. Beetle Kate Winslet

newfound views beetle Agra Katewinsletae was named after actress Kate Winslet for her role in the famous "Titanic." Terry Erwin, an entomologist who discovered the beetle, explained that in this way he wanted to be reminded of the dangers posed to this insect forest loss. "Heroine Kate Winslet was saved, but I'm not sure that's the same thing will happen with this bug, if all tropical forests will be lost and turned into pasture" - he says.

7. Adolf Hitler Beetle

Anophthalmus hitleri, blind beetle named after Adolf Hitler, is found only in five humid caves of Slovenia. This species was discovered in 1933 by a German entomologist. Considering that on the eve of Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, it is not surprising that scientists have named the newly discovered form of the case.

8. paleosaurus David Attenborough

In honor of the famous British naturalist David Attenborough called a few animals, and some of them are long-extinct marine reptile called Attenborosaurus conybeari. This species was discovered American paleontologist Robert Bakker. Bakker admitted that he named in honor of Attenborough's views, because he has learned that Attenborough as a child fascinated by dinosaurs.

9. Rabbit Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner - Playboy founder of the magazine, it is not surprising that his name was called swamp rabbit. Full Rabbit name sounds so: Sylvilagus palustris hefneri. This rabbit lives in the southeastern United States. Incidentally, Hefner himself donated funds for the protection of rare species of rabbits.

10. Prince Charles Frog

At the beginning of this year, frog, discovered in 2008, the year in Ecuador, was named in honor of Prince Charles Hyloscirtus princecharlesi. The new species was named in honor of the British heir to the throne for his charitable activities aimed at protecting the fauna of the rainforest.