New Spider Species Named After Jay Chou Songs

A Chinese scientist, Professor Mi Xiaoqi from Tongren University, has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop artist Jay Chou in a paper published in the journal Zoological Research: Diversity and Conservation. The announcement has gained viral attention on Weibo, amassing over 26 million views, with users dubbing Mi the 'Ultimate Fan.' Notable species include the 'Starry Mood spider' and 'Excuse spider,' reflecting Chou's extensive musical influence in the Chinese-speaking world where he has sold over 30 million records. Mi expressed that naming the spiders after Chou's songs aimed to bridge science and public interest in biodiversity. This creative endeavor highlights the intersection of culture and scientific research, as Mi has been a longtime fan of Chou's music. The research, which also detailed six new genera, took considerable time to ensure unique names within the scientific classification.