Entomologists named a new species of ants in honor of the band Radiohead
A new species of ants Griboedov from South America entomologists called Sericomyrmex radioheadi, in honor of the band Radiohead.
The species was discovered by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute, reported in an article in the journal ZooKeys.
Exploring ants in Central and South America, scientists have discovered three new species. As noted by one of the researchers Ana Jezovnik, the name of Sericomyrmex radioheadi one of these types received not only because of the love scientists to Radiohead’s music, but also as a sign of respect for musicians who are not indifferent to ecological problems, in particular — to global warming.
The new species belongs to gribkovom — ants are in close symbiosis with fungi, which they grow in nests. With the help of the electron microscope scientists have also found that the bodies of females are covered with previously unknown thin layer of white matter, similar to crystals. Its chemical composition and purpose still unknown.