MARQUETTE, MI— The Entomological Society of America has changed the name of an invasive moth.
Formerly referred to as “gypsy moth,” the insect most familiar in its voracious, leaf-eating caterpillar stage will now be known as the “spongy moth.”
The old name was removed from the ESA Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List last July because it contained a derogatory term for Romani people. The move is part of the society’s Better Common Names Project.
An official with the Department of Natural Resources says when an invasive species carries the name of a nation or culture, it’s easy to unintentionally associate that culture with the pest’s harmful effects. Other changes to common names for invasive species are anticipated.
