Bazinga! 'Big Bang Theory' Makes It Into Annals Of Biology

DETROIT (CW50) A new species of the Brazilian orchid bee has been named after the catchphrase of Dr. Cooper on "Big Bang Theory." That's right, the bee's name is "Euglossa bazinga."

How's that? Brazilian biologist Andre Nemesio, a fan of the show, recently discovered a new bee that so closely resembles a more common orchid bee, it was never recognized as something separate.

You could say it tricked the world of science. Bazinga!

"The specific epithet honors the clever, funny, captivating 'nerd' character Sheldon Cooper...Sheldon Cooper's favorite comic word "bazinga", used by him when tricking somebody, was here chosen to represent the character. Euglossa bazinga sp. n. has tricked us for some time due to its similarity to E. ignita, what led us to use 'bazinga,'" the paper revealing the name says in "Zootaxia," a professional taxonomist journal.

According to CBS News, Steven Molaro, one of "The Big Bang Theory's" executive producers, is embracing the show's foray into the world of science, saying, "We are always extremely flattered when the science community embraces our show. Sheldon would be honored to know that Euglossa bazinga was inspired by him. In fact, after 'Mothra' and griffins, bees are his third-favorite flying creatures."

Check out photos of the new bee species here.