TOTAL BS!
Scientists have officially named a newly discovered genus of Australian insects after Taylor Swift, prompting Ticketmaster to announce plans for what it described as the first-ever live viewing experience for a bug with its own fan base.
The real insects belong to the newly described genus Swiftiephylus, with four species inspired by Swift and her albums: Swiftiephylus taylorae, Swiftiephylus amator, Swiftiephylus intrepidus and Swiftiephylus poetorum. UC Riverside researcher Sarah Schroeder said their pale-yellow coloring and red markings reminded her of Swift’s blonde hair and signature red lipstick.
Ticketmaster said the Swiftiephylus: Bugs Tour 2026 will give fans a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand near a leaf that may or may not contain one.”
General admission will begin at $399.50.
For $1,299, the Fearless Entomology Experience includes early admission, a commemorative magnifying glass and 14 seconds near the shrub. The premium Tortured Bug Department VIP Package allows purchasers to stand even closer and briefly wonder whether they actually saw the insect.
Ticketmaster said prices will fluctuate according to demand.
Within hours of the announcement, more than 600,000 fans had reportedly entered an online queue, sending resale prices for prime positions beside an Australian she-oak above $7,000.
Scientists attempted to remind the public that Swiftiephylus are tiny plant-feeding insects that live around Australian she-oaks and pose no known threat to people, animals or the trees they inhabit.
The clarification did little to slow demand.
Australian officials are reportedly preparing for an influx of American tourists carrying magnifying glasses, friendship bracelets and asking local trees which era they’re in.
Researchers say the real discovery could help draw attention to taxonomy and insect conservation, with vast numbers of insect species around the world still undocumented.
Ticketmaster agreed that conservation is important. Particularly conserving enough money for the service fee.
Total BS is SATIRE: Swiftiephylus is real. Scientists really did name the newly described genus and its four species after Taylor Swift and her music. Ticketmaster is not selling $400 tickets to see the bugs, and no insect has announced a world tour. Yet.
For the real BS read this — UC Riverside: Taylor Swift becomes bugs
