The Lighter Side of Science: When Species Names Get Weird and Wonderful

by Rosa February 6, 2021

written by Rosa February 6, 2021

The Lighter Side of Science: Strange and Wonderful Scientific Species Names

In the realm of science, naming newly discovered species is a serious endeavor, but it’s not always a dry and boring affair. Scientists often inject a bit of humor, whimsy, and even insult into the process, resulting in some truly bizarre and wonderful species names.

Linnaeus’s Legacy

In the 1750s, Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus devised a system for naming species that is still used today. However, zoologists have had a bit of fun with it over the centuries, coining some truly unusual names.

Beetles, Spiders, and Flies, Oh My!

Take, for example, the beetle named Agra vation or the spider named Draculoides bramstokeri. There’s also a fish named after Frank Zappa, a crustacean genus named for Godzilla, and a fly called Dicrotendipes thanatogratus after the Grateful Dead.

Entomologists and Their Muses

Entomologists, in particular, seem to have a knack for giving their discoveries memorable names. One entomologist named a genus of bugs after his mistress, while another, who was also a bigamist, named species after his two wives.

Honor or Insult?

Having a scientific colleague name a new species after you can be an honor or an insult, depending on the name they choose. The genus name Dyaria was coined by an amateur lepidopterist who thought he was honoring a colleague named Dyar, but it turned out to be a misspelling of the intended honoree’s name.

The Potential for Peculiar Nomenclature

The potential for bizarre and jokey nomenclature in scientific species naming is almost limitless. A Smithsonian researcher estimates that there are 30 million species on Earth, most of them insects, and they all need names.

Humor in Science

The use of humor in scientific species naming is not just a matter of amusement. It can also serve to highlight the unique characteristics of a species or to honor the contributions of scientists in a lighthearted way.

Examples of Strange and Wonderful Species Names

Here are a few more examples of strange and wonderful scientific species names:

Bolitoglossa odiosum (a salamander named “odious”)
Condylostylus disjunctus (a fly named “disjointed”)
Haetera esmeralda (a moth named “emerald”)
Latrodectus mactans (a spider named “black widow”)
Phallusia nigra (a sea squirt named “black phallus”)

Conclusion

The practice of giving unusual and humorous names to scientific species is a testament to the creativity and sense of humor of scientists. It adds a touch of levity to the serious work of taxonomy and helps to make the world of science a more colorful and entertaining place.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.