A new species of horsefly has been named in honour of the pop diva Beyonce.
The Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae was so named thanks to it’s striking abdomen, which appears golden in colour.
CSIRO’s Bryan Lessard said: “It was the unique, dense golden hairs on the fly’s abdomen that led me to name this fly in honour of the performer Beyonce as well as giving me the chance to demonstrate the fun side of taxonomy – the naming of species.”
CSIRO have sought comment from the pop star, who recently gave birth to her first child, but have yet to hear back from her.
Mr Lessard added: “Although often called a pest, many species of horsefly are extremely important pollinators of many plants.
“Horseflies act like hummingbirds during the day, drinking nectar from their favourite varieties of grevillea, tea trees and eucalyptus.”
The naming of new species must be made in accordance to guidelines managed by the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature.
Other species have been named after famous faces – including a frog named after Sting (Hyla stingi), a spider named after Frank Zappa (Pachygnatha zappa) and a trio of slime-eating beetles – Agathidium bushi, A cheneyi and A Rumsfeli. (No prizes for guessing who they're named after...)