Scientists have named a new species of horned lizard after Syrax, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's dragon in "House of the Dragon." The discovery happened in western Thailand.
Poramad and Krittiya Trivalairat found the lizard while looking for dwarf mountain horned dragons in Mae Wong National Park. They were at an elevation of 4,396 feet. Instead, they found a new type of horned dragon lizard, Acanthosaura syrax.
The lizard reminded them of a dragon from the "Game of Thrones" universe.
Why Syrax?
The researchers explained their choice in the scientific journal Zookeys. They noted the lizard's distinct yellow color and its smaller size compared to similar species. Its high number of offspring also played a role in the naming.
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Start Your News DetoxThe scientists also suggested that local governments and park authorities should protect the high-elevation habitats. This would help not only the new lizard but also other endangered species in the area. They named several animals, including the Asian forest tortoise and the Indochinese tiger, as examples. They hope this will bring attention to Thailand's changing mountain ecosystems.
Poramad Trivalairat, et al
Pop Culture and Science
This isn't the first time pop culture has inspired scientific names. In 2025, a wolf snake, Lycodon irwini, was named after "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. That same year, a spider, Damarchus inazuma, was named after a genderfluid "One Piece" character.
A soft coral, Iridogorgia chewbacca, was named after the Wookie from "Star Wars." In 2023, actor Harrison Ford inspired the name of a new snake species, Tachymenoides harrisonfordi. This was ironic because of his "Indiana Jones" quote about snakes.
Ford joked about scientists naming scary creatures after him. He said he spends his free time cross-stitching and singing lullabies to basil plants. Ford is a long-time environmental advocate. He has also had an ant (Pheidole harrisonfordi) and a spider (Calponia harrisonfordi) named after him.
He expressed gratitude for the discovery. Ford noted that it reminds us how much there is to learn about our world. He emphasized that all fates on Earth are connected. He also highlighted the need to protect nature and the places that support life.
Deep Dive & References
New species of Acanthosaura (Squamata: Agamidae) from Mae Wong National Park, Kamphaeng Phet Province, western Thailand - Zookeys, 2024
