Nutty Nomenclature
All species of organism are given their own specific name by the taxonomist who first describes them. Every now and again the taxonomists allow themselves to have a little bit of fun. This is our guide to some more mischievously named species.
Name: Pison eu
Don’t get it? It's a bit rude, so if you haven't understood it, give yourself a hearty slap on the back for being completely incorruptible and ask Mummy for another mug of hot cocoa.
What is it? A wasp.
Where was it found? Central America.
When was it first named? 1988
Who deserves the credit? Arnold Menke, a Smithsonian entomologist and stalwart of titillating taxonomy.
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Is there a picture? Not of our hero, this instead is a New Zealand species called Pison spinosa, which isn't as funny (click to enlarge image). Fortunately, however, other taxonomists have seen the potential on Pison as a comedy word and the genus also includes: Pison fritzi, Pison martini, Pison nosferatu and Pison eyvae. We're not quite sure we understand Pison eyvae, which is flagged up as a funny name on some other lists. We think it must either be a pun of Poison Ivy or Personify, neither of which are actually very amusing. Check out some other weird species names here.
Null's other regular features:
Monday: Phunny Phobias
Wednesday: Doctor Doctor
Thursday: Peculiar Periodicals
Friday: End of week timewasters
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