CEO DATELINE - Entomology society discontinues using ‘gypsy' in insect names
CEO DATELINE - Entomology society discontinues using ‘gypsy' in insect names
- July 12, 2021 |
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Walt Williams
The Entomological Society of America has removed "gypsy moth" and "gypsy ant" as recognized common names for two insect species, noting "gypsy" is a derogatory term for the Romani people.
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The removal of the names from ESA's Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List was announced as part of the launch of the Better Common Names Project, which seeks to review and replace insect common names that may be inappropriate or offensive, according to a statement.
ESA is inviting entomologists, scientists in other fields and members of the public to identify and propose 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," said Michelle Smith, president of the ESA Governing Board. "That's why we're working to ensure all ESA-approved insect common names meet our standards for diversity, equity and inclusion."
Entomology is not the first field to deal with the legacy of racism in naming. Many geographic features in the U.S. and abroad have been renamed either because their names contained ethnic slurs or because later Western names were given precedence over names used by indigenous peoples.
The ESA Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List was created in the early 20th century and has grown to recognize common names for more than 2,300 insect and arthropod species, according to the association. The ESA Governing Board adopted new policies for acceptable insect common names in March. The new rules bar names referencing ethnic or racial groups and names that might stoke fear. They also discourage geographic references, particularly for invasive species.
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