An invasive moth species is getting a new name after the old one was dropped for containing what some consider a racial slur.
The insect formerly known as the “gypsy moth” will now go by the common name “spongy moth,” the Entomological Society of America announced Wednesday. It is the first name change, along with the retirement of the name “gypsy ant,” that the organization governing the study of insects in the United States has implemented as part of its Better Common Names Project.
MEXICAN NATIONAL IMPRISONED FOR SMUGGLING WILDLIFE INTO US
“Lymantria dispar is a damaging pest in North American forests, and public awareness is critical in slowing its spread. ‘Spongy moth’ gives entomologists and foresters a name for this species that reinforces an important feature of the moth’s biology and moves away from the out-dated term that was previously used,” ESA President Jessica Ware said in a statement. “We are grateful to the diverse community of people and organizations who have been involved in this renaming process and have committed to adopting ‘spongy moth’ as well.”
Forest Pests
The word “gypsy” is considered a derogatory term by many Romani people, and “spongy” was chosen as the new descriptor due to the spongelike masses of eggs the moth lays.
The insect has caused widespread damage to trees and shrubs in the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada since it was introduced to North America in the 1800s, said the ESA, which added that knowing the eggs have a spongy appearance is a good way for people to recognize an invasion.
Scientists who study insects and Romani scholars were involved in selecting the new name. “Spongy” emerged as the favorite from 200 proposals and seven finalists.
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Entomology is just one of the spheres experiencing a name change push.
The Interior Department has removed the word “squaw,” considered a derogatory word for Native American women, from federal land and national monuments. Other federal agencies have moved away from using the term “illegal alien.” Schools with names referencing Confederate leaders and even Founding Fathers have also come under fire and changed their names in many cases.
