07/28/2021

Organization Drops Derogatory Names of Two Insect Species

A small change can often have larger implications

Two insect species are getting a name change. “Gypsy moth” and “gypsy ant” have been removed as recognized common names from the Entomological Society of America’s Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List because the use of “gypsy” perpetuates negative ethnic and racial stereotypes.

ESA’s recently launched Better Common Names Project seeks community input on ESA’s common names list and will oversee the direction of working groups to develop and recommend new common names. In March, ESA’s governing board approved new policies for acceptable insect common names, barring names that reference ethnic or racial groups and ones that might stoke fear. The policies also discourage geographic references, particularly for invasive species.

“Our leadership has been intentional about making equity and inclusion a priority in our organization and the broader society that isn’t performative and actually asks hard questions and seeks to make positive change,” said Josh Lancette, ESA’s managing editor.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.