The popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes beyond measure, for Marvel’s superheroes not only dominate the entertainment industry but also in the world of science. According to reports, years back, scientists named a newly discovered species of spider after MCU’s Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
Further, according to recent reports published by Evolutionary Systematics, Tom Hardy joined the Spider-Man duo as scientists took inspiration from his Venom movie to name a newly identified species of Australian spider. Thus, Hardy joined Maguire and Garfield, leaving behind Tom Holland to wait for his turn in the world of science.
A Newly-Identified Species Of Spider Named After Tom Hardy
Appearing in Sony’s Venom and its sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Tom Hardy played the role of Eddie Brock, the photographer who merges with Venom. Following his appearance in the superhero flick, Hardy not only dominated the entertainment industry but also recently made his name in the scientific world.
According to an article published by Evolutionary Systematics, the actor’s on-screen character inspired scientists who discovered a new species of Australian spider. Noticing thorax markings on the Spider, the scientists were reminded of the patterns on Venom’s head and thereafter named the newly-identified species of the Spider genus Venomius, and its singular species as V. tomhardyi.
It isn’t quite uncommon to use actors’ and movie characters’ names as inspiration for identifying newly discovered species. Apparently, following Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones franchise, a new species of snake was named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi. Further, even MCU actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield inspired scientists and got spiders named after them.
Scientists Named Spiders After Tobey Maguire And Andrew Garfield
Apart from dominating the mainstream entertainment industry, MCU superheroes Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield apparently had the opportunity to appear in the scientific world. Following their appearance as Spider-Man in MCU, Maguire and Garfield made their way into arachnologists Yuri M. Marusik and Alireza Zamani’s published paper about a new species of spider.
The MCU duo inspired the arachnologists to christen the new species of spider discovered in Iran as Filistata maguirei and Pritha garfieldi. The paper further noted that the spiders are venomous, but do not pose a risk to humans. Well, this was honestly a great achievement for the actors to not just rule Hollywood but also the realm of science.
Eventually, it appears that after Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Hardy, it’s just Tom Holland who got left out of inspiring scientists. So here’s a bit of better luck next time to Holland, as we hope even he gets to join the trio to set a rare record.
Source: Evolutionary Systematics, ScreenRant