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Scientists have named this moth after Donald Trump. Guess why.

A close up of the head of the new species Neopalpa donaldtrumpi.
A close up of the head of the new species Neopalpa donaldtrumpi. Credit: Dr. Vazrick Nazari

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Scientists in California have named a newly discovered moth species after President-elect Donald Trump, saying the white and yellow scales on the insect’s head are reminiscent of Trump’s blond hairdo.

The Sacramento Bee reports that a report by researchers at the University of California, Davis, on the new species became available Tuesday. The California moth is named Neopalpa donaldtrumpi.

READ MORE: New species of tarantula named after Johnny Cash

Evolutionary biologist Dr. Vazrick Nazari discovered the species while dissecting moths when he noticed that three specimens had a distinct wing pattern and unique DNA profile. He chose the name in part to bring awareness to fragile habitats that may contain undiscovered species.

Naming newly-discovered species after famous people is nothing new. Nine species have been named in honour of President Barack Obama, including an ancient lizard and a coral reef fish.

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