The Science Life Animals

Meet Swiftiephylus, an Australian bug named after Taylor Swift

The discovery fills a “Blank Space” in researchers’ knowledge of the bugs in Australia

A transluscent yellow bug with red features shown under magnification.

Swiftiephylus taylorae (shown) is one of four newly described plant bug species named after influential singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.

Sarah Schroeder

By Jake Buehler

If you’re down under and you give the right tree a rustle, you might encounter a record-breaking, globally recognized music icon. Or at least a bug named after her.