'It's always the ones that terrify children': New species of snake in Peru named after Harrison Ford

Wednesday 16 August 2023 at 9:19am

A new species of snake, discovered in Peru, has been named after Harrison Ford.

The reptile, known scientifically as Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, has been so named to honour the veteran actor’s environmental work.

Ford is well known for his roles as Han Solo in Star Wars and the globetrotting archaeologist Indiana Jones, who famously hates snakes.

The actor, who is vice chair of non-profit group Conservation International and reportedly a fan of snakes, unlike Indiana Jones, also has a spider – Calponia harrisonfordi – and a species of ant – Pheidole harrisonfordi – named after him.

He said: "These scientists keep naming critters after me, but it’s always the ones that terrify children.

"I don’t understand. I spend my free time cross-stitching. I sing lullabies to my basil plants, so they won’t fear the night."



The new snake named after veteran actor Harrison Ford.
Credit: Edgar Lehr/Conservation International

More:
https://www.itv.com/news/2023-08-16/new-species-of-snake-in-peru-named-after-star-wars-actor-harrison-ford