Species Of Tarantula-Killing Worm Named After Jeff Daniels

Typically, the worlds of film and parasitology don’t mix. But after a team of scientists at the University of California, Riverside discovered a new species of tarantula-killing worm, a reference to the 1990 horror comedy was in order. Yes, the team officially named the species “Tarantobelus jeffdanielsi,” as a nod to the actor“His character in the film is a spider killer, which is exactly what these nematodes are,” UC Riverside parasitologist andexplained to the university's news site.

The nematode — which is microscopic in size — is one of only two found to have the ability to fatally infect tarantulas. Essentially, it kills the arachnid from the inside out. The parasitic creatures make their homes inside the mouths of tarantulas, paralyzing the organs that work a tarantula's fangs. Without the ability to use their fangs, tarantulas cannot successfully capture their prey — thus, dying of starvation.

“When I first heard a new species of nematode had been named after me, I thought, ‘Why? Is there a resemblance?’’” Daniels. Made me smile.” He then joked, “And of course, in Hollywood, you haven’t really made it until you’ve been recognized by those in the field of parasitology.”

I misread 'tarantula' as 'Tarantino' for a second and wondered why this worm was bent on killing Quentin Tarantino - I mean, the ellipsis in the title ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD is a little much, but it's a stylistic thing, whatever. Anyway, makes sense now.

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