Mr Sikkel names a blood-sucking parasite after Bob Marley
WHAT’S in a name? Paul Sikkel of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, has named a blood-sucking parasite after Bob Marley. Meet gnathia marleyi, a sea-dwelling tick, a swimming mosquito. Says Sikkel:
“I named this species, which is truly a natural wonder, after Marley because of my respect and admiration for Marley’s music. Plus, this species is as uniquely Caribbean, as was Marley.”
Like Marley. the young gnathiids lurk within coral and algae. When a fish passes by they jump it and infest. In adulthood, they stop sucking blood and try to reproduce.
Naming a sea-living creature Bob seems apt, although it more suits a seahorse than tick. As for Mr Sikkel, he has just the kind of nominative deterministic name predestined for a life of cutting comment.
Posted: 12th, July 2012 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
