Science is often seen as a serious and methodical field, but it also has room for creativity and humor. This is evident in the way scientists choose names for new species. For example, a fungus discovered in Malaysia in 2011 was named after a well-known animated character because its spores resemble a sponge.
Biologists and naturalists enjoy using their imagination when naming new species. Another example is a fern from Costa Rica named after the singer Lady Gaga (whose real name is Stefani Germanotta). Scientists noted that the fern resembled an outfit Gaga wore at the 52nd Grammy Awards, and its DNA sequence spelled out "GAGA." These cases show how taxonomy—the science of classifying living organisms—can reflect both scientific rigor and creative expression.
The process of choosing a scientific name follows strict guidelines. Dr. Daniel Ariano, interim director of CEAB at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), explained: “For a species to be recognized as new, scientists must prove it was previously unknown. They present evidence such as physical characteristics, DNA differences, and habitat information. In addition, they select a representative specimen called the holotype, which is kept in an official scientific collection like those at UVG’s CEAB and Department of Biology so other researchers can consult it in the future.”
Scientists who discover a new species are responsible for selecting its scientific name. First, they determine its genus based on available evidence; then they choose the specific epithet (such as sapiens in Homo sapiens). The name becomes official only when all steps are completed.
The chosen name must also be published in a scientific journal that adheres to international rules for naming animals or plants. These standards are set by global codes governing zoological or botanical nomenclature. Such journals serve as an official stamp validating names worldwide.
Creativity plays an important role in naming species. The specific epithet can describe physical traits, location of discovery, honor individuals, or reference local culture or humor. Epithets may be descriptive, geographic (toponymic), honoring people (patronymic), or drawn from local languages (ethnographic).
Researchers at UVG have demonstrated creativity when naming new species to reflect both science and culture. In 2018, Dr. Ariano described a snake whose name comes from Greek: xero meaning “dry” and philos meaning “lover,” so xerophila means “lover of dry places.” This refers to the snake’s habitat in Guatemala’s dry forest region and aims to inspire conservation efforts for this ecosystem.
Another case involves Bolitoglossa qeqom—a salamander discovered by Dr. Ariano with graduates from UVG’s biology program—named using the Poqomchí Maya word qeqom (“dark”). According to Dr. Ariano: “That honors indigenous peoples living where the species occurs by highlighting their language.”
Tributes through naming are common practice among UVG researchers as well. M.Sc José Monzón Sierra from CEAB has helped name several insect species honoring cultural figures and colleagues—for instance Mayacephalus (a cone-headed grasshopper genus) referencing the Maya people due to its geographic distribution; another insect was dedicated to his friend Maishe Dickman.
Some names recognize significant contributors within UVG itself; Glaphyrosoma hectorcentenoi—a grasshopper—was named after former rector Héctor Centeno for supporting biodiversity initiatives.
Other examples highlight Guatemalan geography or culture: certain beetles were named after Purulhá (Alta Verapaz) or Tecún Umán; entomologist Jack Schuster even named beetle species after members of his own musical group.
Since 1966, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala has described more than 70 plant and animal species housed within its Systematic Entomology Laboratory and Biological Collections.
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