New species of snake named after Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford
It's been discovered in Peru
Indiana Jones star, Harrison Ford, has had a new species of snake named after him.
The reptile, known scientifically as Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, was discovered in Peru.
It has been named after him to honour the veteran actor’s environmental work.
Ford is well known for his roles as Han Solo in Star Wars and the globetrotting archaeologist Indiana Jones, who famously hates snakes.
The actor, who is vice chair of non-profit group Conservation International, said it was “humbling”.
“The snake’s got eyes you can drown in, and he spends most of the day sunning himself by a pool of dirty water — we probably would’ve been friends in the early ‘60s,” he told Conservation International.
“In all seriousness, this discovery is humbling.
“It’s a reminder that there’s still so much to learn about our wild world — and that humans are one small part of an impossibly vast biosphere.
“On this planet, all fates are intertwined, and right now, one million species are teetering on the edge of oblivion.
“We have an existential mandate to mend our broken relationship with nature and protect the places that sustain life.”
It's not the first species to be named after the actor
Ford, who is reportedly a fan of snakes, unlike Indiana Jones, also has a spider – Calponia harrisonfordi – and a species of ant – Pheidole harrisonfordi – named after him.
The discovery of the new snake species is a joint collaboration between researchers from Peru and the United States and was made in Peru’s Otishi National Park.
Tachymenoides harrisonfordi is a slender snake, measuring just 16 inches when fully grown.
It is well-camouflaged but harmless to humans, with a diet consisting of lizards and frogs.
Edgar Lehr, the biologist who led the expedition that discovered the snake, said: “Discovering a new species, naming it, and introducing it to the world is a beautiful and necessary activity.
“With the name, we want to honor Harrison Ford as an actor and conservationist, and we hope to create awareness that there are remote areas in the world left where we do not know its species.
“Only species that are known can be protected.”
Which other celebrities who have species named after them?
Beyoncé Scaptia beyonceae (horse fly) Reason: Its abdomen has a dense patch of golden hair which provided inspiration for its name.
Lady Gaga 19 different types of ferns including Gaga germanotta, Gaga monstraparva (fern) Reason: Inspired by her music and costumes. Her costume (below) had large shoulder pads, which gave it an appearance of the bisexual reproductive stage of the ferns.
Jennifer Lopez Litarachna lopezae (aquatic mite) Reason: A 'token of gratitude' for the singer's music.
Michael Jackson Mesoparapylocheles michaeljacksoni (extinct hermit crab)
Elton John Leucothoe eltoni (crustacean) Reason: Scientist listened to his music in the lab.
Freddie Mercury (born in Zanzibar) Cirolana mercuryi (isopod) Reason: 'arguably Zanzibar's most famous popular musician and singer'
Sting Dendropsophus stingi (frog) Reason: Recognition of his 'commitment and efforts to save the rain forest'.
Frank Zappa Pachygnatha zappa (spider) Reason: Its unique markings resemble his famous moustache.
Mick Jagger Aegrotocatellus jaggeri (trilobite)