Ickyology

So entomologists have heroes. And when an entomologist discovers something he or she gets to name, those heroes usually come into play. (Did you hear about the wasp named after Yoda?) The latest example of the phenomenon is Orectochilus orbisonorum,  a new species of whirly gig beetle that has been named after Roy Orbison and his widow Barbara by Quentin Wheeler of Arizona State University.

Mr. Wheeler attended a concert honoring Orbison, and made the announcement there, while presenting the family with a pop-art painting of whirly gig beetles. Apparently, the beetle was named such because “It almost looks like it’s wearing a tuxedo.” Ah, entomologists and our tributes.

–Adrienne

–Source