Monday 9 June 2008

Neil Young - Young Has Spider Named After Him

Singing legend NEIL YOUNG has been honoured by scientists who have named a new spider species after him.

The Southern Man hitmaker's career inspired biologists at East Carolina University, North Carolina, so they gave the new species of trapdoor spider his name.

University biologist Jason Bond claims he named the arachnid "Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi" after his favourite musician because he is an activist for social, environmental and anti-war causes.

He says, "There are rather strict rules about how you name new species.

"As long as these rules are followed you can give a new species just about any name you please.

"With regards to Neil Young, I really enjoy his music and have had a great appreciation of him as an activist for peace and justice."

However, Young is not the first musician to have a creature named after him - a species of beetle that looks as if it is wearing a tuxedo was named in honour of late singer Roy Orbison.




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