A common moth is having its name changed to remove a racial slur.
The Entomological Society of America has removed “gypsy moth” as the recognised common name in its Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List.
The change has been made in conjunction with the launch of a new ESA program to review and replace insect common names that may be inappropriate or offensive
Entomologists, scientists in related fields, and the public are being invited to participate in identifying and proposing alternatives for insect common names that perpetuate negative ethnic or racial stereotypes.
"The purpose of common names is to make communication easier between scientists and the public audiences they serve. By and large, ESA’s list of recognized insect common names succeeds in this regard, but names that are unwelcoming to marginalized communities run directly counter to that goal," says ESA President Michelle S. Smith, BCE. "That's why we’re working to ensure all ESA-approved insect common names meet our standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion."
In March 2021, the ESA Governing Board approved new policies for acceptable insect common names, which bar names referencing ethnic or racial groups and names that might stoke fear; the policies also discourage geographic references, particularly for invasive species.
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