Hitler beetle, Trump moth, Beyonc é fly: is it time to rethink naming of species?

Some scientists say the rules must be changed so plants and animals are not tagged with ‘objectionable’ namesIn 1937, a brown, eyeless beetle was found in a few caves in Slovenia. The new species was unexceptional apart from one feature. Its discoverer decided to name it after Adolf Hitler.Anophthalmus hitleri has an objectionable sound to modern ears. Nor is it alone. Many species ’ names recall individuals or ideas that offend: the butterflyHypopta mussolinii, for example, while several hundred plant species carry names based on the wordcaffrawhich is derived from a racial slur once used in Africa. SimilarlyHibbertia, a genus of flowering plants, honoursGeorge Hibbert, an English slave owner.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Taxonomy Animals Natural History Museum Biology Zoology Science Insects Environment Wildlife Source Type: news