Rare horse fly has impressive derriere, is named after Beyonce. This rare horse fly was described by the Australian scientist charged with naming it as “the diva of all flies.” In other news, the Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae fly is a member of a proud trifecta of “my favorite-named things in science” What are the other two glorious ones? Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) -One of three proteins in the hedgehog protein signaling pathway.  Controls the development of organs.  Thank sonic hedgehog for all of your limbs being the right length in the right spots! Toll genes- Toll means “cool!” in German, because that’s what the German grad student who identified them said when he determined their function.  The toll genes regulate embryogenesis. Thank these genes for developing your body with a dorsal-ventral axis!

Rare horse fly has impressive derriere, is named after Beyonce.

This rare horse fly was described by the Australian scientist charged with naming it as “the diva of all flies.”

In other news, the Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae fly is a member of a proud trifecta of “my favorite-named things in science”

What are the other two glorious ones?

  • Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) -One of three proteins in the hedgehog protein signaling pathway.  Controls the development of organs.  Thank sonic hedgehog for all of your limbs being the right length in the right spots!
  • Toll genes- Toll means “cool!” in German, because that’s what the German grad student who identified them said when he determined their function.  The toll genes regulate embryogenesis. Thank these genes for developing your body with a dorsal-ventral axis!