ANIMALS
Millipede species named after Taylor Swift
WORDS AILSA HARVEY
Scientists found the Nannaria swiftae millipede in Van Buren County, Tennessee
Scientists have described a previously unknown species of millipede in the Appalachian mountains – and named it after pop superstar Taylor Swift. Researchers discovered the millipede, along with 16 other newly described millipede species, as part of an extensive research project to sequence the DNA of species in the Nannaria genus, known as twisted-claw millipedes, sonamed for the twisted and flattened claws on their front legs. Experts analysed 1,835 millipede specimens, most of which they collected under leaf litter, trees and rocks, in forest habitats across 17 US states.