UCR College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS)

09/11/2026

Her insect era? How Taylor Swift became the namesake for newly described bugs https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-10/taylor-swift-insect-names-uc-riverside

via Los Angeles Times

Where many people might see a plant-eating bug with light yellow coloration and a splash of red accents, UC Riverside student Sarah Schroeder sees, in a way, Taylor Swift.

09/11/2026

Welcome back, Highlanders! Ready to escape the campus rush and score some amazing freebies?Kick off your Fall quarter with good vibes, fresh air, and cool treats at the UCR Botanic Gardens Welcome Week!
Check out our incredible daily lineup:
🌱 Monday, Sept 22: FREE Plant Giveaway – Snag a low-maintenance succulent or plant to brighten up your desk, dorm, or room! (While supplies last)
👟 Tuesday, Sept 23: Guided Garden Tours – Explore the stunning Cactus & Succulent gardens, hidden trails, and the turtle pond with an expert guide.
🍧 Wednesday, Sept 24: Kona Ice Takeover – Cool down from the Riverside heat with a free, refreshing shaved ice treat!
📍 Where: UCR Botanic Gardens (Just up the hill from Lot 13)
📅 When: Mon, Sept 22 – Wed, Sept 24
Touch some grass, and kick off the academic year right. Get your Botanic Gardens swag and dorm plants at the merch shop from 9am-1pm. See you in the Gardens! 💚
Welcome Week 2026

09/11/2026

Newly Discovered Plant-Eating Insects Named After Taylor Swift https://people.com/plant-eating-insects-named-after-taylor-swift-12113826

via People

Taylor Swift has received an unlikely new honor and has become the namesake of a recently discovered insect species, now named Swiftiephylus.

09/11/2026

These Tiny Bugs Reminded a Scientist of Taylor Swift — Now She Has an Entire Genus Named After Her https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/maggie-ekberg/taylor-swift-bugs-swiftiephylus-genus

via Complex

Four newly described Australian plant bugs now belong to ...

09/11/2026

Don't forget to register for our upcoming events for NEW and incoming students during CNAS Welcome Week!

CNAS New Family Welcome
Sunday, September 20, 2026
12 pm - 1:30 pm at HUB 302

CNAS New Student Majors Welcome Sessions
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
(All session locations and times will vary by major and will be listed on our CNAS Welcome Week page)

CNAS New Student Welcome
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
11:30 AM - 1 PM at the Physics Courtyard

Register now and learn more at cnas.ucr.edu/welcome-week

09/10/2026

Scientists are getting better at predicting where massive earthquakes will strike: https://www.earth.com/earth-science/scientists-are-getting-better-at-predicting-where-massive-earthquakes-will-strike/

via Earth.com

Scientists developed a new method to identify where strain is building along major faults, revealing where massive earthquakes are more likely to strike.

09/09/2026

Taylor Swift is now a bug https://www.huffpost.com/entry/taylor-swift-is-now-a-bug_n_6aa1aa27e4b0186919a83c62

via HuffPost

A scientist at UC Riverside has named a genus of Australian bugs after the singer because its coloring reminded her of the singer’s “iconic” blond hair and red lips.

09/09/2026

Newly Discovered Plant-Eating Insects Named After Taylor Swift https://variety.com/2026/music/news/taylor-swift-plant-eating-insects-names-1236856051/

via Variety

Taylor Swift is the namesake of several recently discovered species of plant-feeding insects from Australia, as dubbed by UC Riverside researchers.

09/09/2026

Taylor Swift has a newly discovered bug genus named after her https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/09/09/new-bugs-taylor-swift-lover-fearless-poets-uc-riverside/91678148007/

via USA TODAY

Scientists have named a newly discovered genus of insects "Swiftiephylus" in honor of Taylor Swift.

09/09/2026

Taylor Swift becomes bugs | Newly discovered herbivorous insects named in tribute https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2026/09/09/taylor-swift-becomes-bugs

She’s a Grammy Award-winning international superstar, and now, Taylor Swift is also a genus of plant-feeding insects from Australia that were previously unknown to science.