Paragordius obamai
A species of nematomorphs that was named after the 44th president of the United States. Yes, President Barack H. Obama has a nematomorphs species named in his honor! Why you ask? This is because it was discovered in Kenya, where his father was raised. (1)
(2)Nematomorphs are also known as hair worms; this species can be considered parasitic. They start as larvae that are living inside arthropod hosts upon maturation they become free swimming adults. How is that possible? They induce their hosts to commit suicide by “encouraging” them to jump into the water. Hair worms typically sexually reproduce via “Gordian knots.” (1)
The Paragordius obamai species however, is found in faster moving water that makes mating more difficult. This change has promoted evolution of parthenogenesis. This species is composed mainly of females. P. obamai has completely given up on males. (1) Sexual reproduction is no longer needed for this group of organisms as it is already difficult to find a mate in their “newly explored” environment.
(3)