Entomological Society of America discontinues use of problematic common names for two insect species

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The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has removed “Gypsy Moth” and “Gypsy Ant” as common names for these two insect species because they contain a derogatory term for the Romani people. This decision is a result of a new ESA program, Better Common Names Project, that is reviewing and replacing common names that are inappropriate and/or problematic.

The moth, Lymantria dispar, is a problematic insect for North American forests as the caterpillars feed on 300 different species of shrubs and trees.

Read the original article, published 7/7/2021, here: www.entsoc.org/entomological-society-america-discontinues-use-gypsy-moth-ant-names