May 12, 2008 17:12

Neil Young has spider named in his honour

Newly-discovered species named Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi

A species of spider has been named after Neil Young, after a university biologist discovered the insect in Jefferson County, AL.

Jason Bond of East Carolina University made the discovery in Alabama last year and established through DNA tests that the bug is a newly-discovered species. The spider is distinguishable from others in its genus through its genitalia.

This particular group of spiders is called 'trapdoor' as they live in burrows and build trapdoors at the burrow’s entrance.

Bond named the bug Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi, after his favourite musician, and says naming a new species has strict rules that must be adhered to.

"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," reports the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Young has been confirmed to play the Roskilde festival this July in Denmark.

--By our New York staff.
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