'Spongy Moth' Adopted as New Common Name for Lymantria dispar
Annapolis, MD; March 2, 2022—"Spongy moth" has been formally adopted as the new common name for the moth species Lymantria dispar by the Entomological Society of America.
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The ESA publications program is designed to meet the professional needs of the ESA membership, reflect emerging areas of interest and research in entomology, and promote entomology in all its sub-disciplines for the advancement of science and the benefit of society. Publication policies, procedures, and governance are also covered.
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‘Spongy Moth’ Proposed as New Common Name for Lymantria dispar
Annapolis, MD; January 25, 2022—A group of entomologists and forestry professionals convened by the Entomological Society of America has recommended “spongy moth” as the new common name for the moth species Lymantria dispar.
Common Names of Insects Database
The ESA Common Names database is an essential reference for anyone who works with insects. It includes more than 2,000 common names and is searchable by common name, scientific name, author, order, family, genus, and species.
Better Common Names Project
Entomologists want effective communication with the public, policy makers, and other scientists. Effective communication can help advance science, advance entomology, and increase the flourishing of humans and the environment.
Proposed Common Names
Proposed common names that are approved by the Common Names Committee will be posted here for at least 30 days. There are currently no common names that are open for comment.
Use & Submission of Common Names
Introduction
In zoology, the formation of a scientific name for an organism follows a strict set of rules adopted by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. This International Code of Zoological Nomenclature serves to promote the stability, accuracy, and universality of an organism's scientific name. Every proposed scientific name must be unique and distinct from all other names. In this way, every named organism is a distinguishable entity. However, scientific names are not always stable.
Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms
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Search for Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List Sorted by Common Name (PDF as of 10/20/14) List Sorted by Scientific Name (PDF as of 10/20/14) |
ESA Publications
The ESA publications program is designed to meet the professional needs of the ESA membership, reflect emerging areas of interest and research in entomology, and promote entomology in all its sub-disciplines for the advancement of science and the benefit of society. Publication policies, procedures, and governance are also covered.