Scientists Name Microbes After Members Of Rush

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18:  (L-R) Inductees Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush speak on stage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: (L-R) Inductees Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush speak on stage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Scientists have named three new species of microbes after members of Canadian prog-rock band Rush.

The new species are pseudotrichonympha leei, pseudotrichonympha lifesoni and pseudotrichonympha pearti – in honour of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart.

Scientists at the Keeling Lab at the University of British Columbia found the micro-organisms in termites. They appeared to have long hairs – known as flagella – like the members of Rush did in the band’s early days.

Last June, a trio of capybaras at High Park Zoo were named Geddy, Alex and Neil after a public vote.