Invasive moth species with offensive label renamed to 'spongy moth'


Mar 02, 2022

MICHIGAN — An invasive moth species formerly given a derogatory term for Romani people has been given a new name.

The Entomological Society of America has renamed the Lymantria dispar moth’s common name to the “spongy moth,” according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The spongy moth is described as having a yellow face with red and blue spots found along its backside. An explosion in the moth’s population last year led to a loss of trees in areas where the moths swarmed.

https://www.fox17online.com/news/loc...to-spongy-moth