Names of Moth and Ant Species , Changed Following Review <br />of ‘Offensive’ Insect Names.<br />Following a review of "inappropriate or <br />offensive terms," scientists will change <br />the names of two insect species.<br />The “gypsy moth” and “gypsy ant” have <br />been removed from the Common Names <br />of Insects and Related Organisms List.<br />The Entomological Society of America (ESA), who oversees the list, said the change is part of an effort to re-evaluate “problematic” terminology.<br />It’s an ethnic slur to begin with <br />that’s been rejected by the <br />Romani people a long time ago, Michelle Smith, ESA president, via Independent.<br />Second, nobody wants <br />to be associated with <br />a harmful invasive pest, Michelle Smith, ESA president, via Independent.<br />'The Independent' reports that this is the <br />first time the ESA has changed a name <br />because it is considered offensive.<br />Previously, the organization has only changed names that were not scientifically accurate.<br />The ESA has asked the public to help come up with new names that do not “perpetuate negative ethnic or racial stereotypes.”.<br />The purpose of common names <br />is to make communication easier <br />between scientists and the <br />public audiences they serve, Michelle Smith, ESA president, via Independent.<br />By and large, ESA’s list of recognized <br />insect common names succeeds <br />in this regard, but names that are <br />unwelcoming to marginalized <br />communities run directly <br />counter to that goal, Michelle Smith, ESA president, via Independent
