Whirligig Beetle Named After Roy Orbison

An unusual new species of whirligig beetle has just been named after the late singer Roy Orbison. The beetle, Orectochilus orbisonorum, doesn't sport Ray Ban Wayfarers, but it has its own trademark. Clear areas of cuticle underneath its body reveal its internal tissues. This would be like us if we had see-through skin. You could just look right in to see the guts and other internal workings.

The upper side of the beetle is dark black and its shape is rather cool. Maybe that helped to inspire the Orbison connection?

An Arizona State University researcher even created a Warhol-like artistic tribute to the new insect. The below was presented to Barbara Orbison, the singer's widow, by ASU entomologist Quentin Wheeler, who announced the description and discovery of the new beetle.

Here's Barbara last Friday accepting the piece, entitled "Whirligig."  A Roy Orbison Tribute Concert also helped to mark the occasion.

Comments

[Shamrock Womlbs]

If Roy Orbison was to be named after a Beatle the result would be a Traveling Wilbury.

[Jen Viegas]

Clever! And a nice reminder of that fantastic, yet all too short-lived, supergroup.