‘Pokémon’ Inspires Scientists To Name Newly Discovered Insect

Pheromosa, a bug-type beast from Pokémon’s seventh-generation series, was first spotted in Pokémon Sun & Moon Ultra and has since been seen throughout the franchise in its anime, manga, and games. Now, it’s about to branch out further than it has ever been before—and into the real world—thanks to the discovery of a new species of roaches that will have the privilege of carrying its name.

As first reported in Singapore’s The Straits Times, the new species of cockroach was discovered in 2016 in a nature reserve down in the city-state. The insect remained unnamed until two entomologists, Foo Maosheng and Cristian Lucanas, decided to study the bug further. 

The roach in question has a lot of similarities with its animated counterpart, including long antennas and legs and hooded wings. Thanks to its shared physical attributes, the duo—who are Pokémon fans—have taken to the Pokédex for inspiration and officially called it Nocticola pheromosa. 

Pheromosa isn’t the first new species to gain a Pokémon-inspired moniker. Per NintendoWorldReport, a retinal protein discovered in 2008 was named Pikachurin after the franchise’s mascot. It earned the title after the “nimble” protein resembled Pikachu’s lighting-fast and electric abilities. 

According to NintendoLife, three beetles found in Australia in 2021 were named after legendary-type birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Going back all the way to 2011, a wasp from Botswana and Madagascar is now called Weedle.

Thanks to the scientists naming the bug, it is now recognized by the scientific community, and more studies will be conducted to uncover its origins.

Check out Pheromosa (the Pokémon, not the actual insect) in action as it battles against Bewear below. 

[via TechTimes and Dextero, cover image via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]