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Now this bug is winged and has woken up.
The name of the gypsy moth has been removed by the country’s leading insect identification group because its scientists say the nickname is an ethnic insult considered offensive by some Roma. people.
The Entomological Society of America – which had previously removed only names that are not scientifically correct – is getting rid of the title of tree-destroying pest as well as that of the little-known gypsy ant, the organization said. last week.
“It is an ethnic insult to begin with which was rejected by the Roma people a long time ago,” said company president Michelle Smith. “Second, no one wants to be associated with a harmful invasive pest. “
The destructive moths, which inhabit forested areas of the eastern and central United States, are known to engulf entire forests of leaves during their voracious caterpillar stage, said the University of entomologist. Illinois, May Berenbaum, former president of the company.
The winged creatures, also known as Lymantria dispar, were nicknamed “gypsies” in the early 1900s because their larvae can float for miles using hair with small air pockets – which scientists have found. compared to the “wandering” Roma, said Berenbaum.
But other researchers have speculated that the term originated from the beige color of male moths, which the researchers may have considered to be similar to the skin tone of members of the ethnic group.
Insect experts are now considering new names, which could revolve around the insect’s ability to traverse forests, Berenbaum said.
“You are not allowed to use obscenities,” said Berenbaum, “so it is prohibited.”
The change comes as the Insect Society examines more than 2,000 common names to remove geographically inaccurate and derogatory terms.
With post wires
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