'Gypsy' replaced by 'spongy' in name for invasive moth

An invasive moth species is getting a new name after the old one was dropped for containing what some consider a racial slur.

The insect formerly known as the “gypsy moth” will now go by the common name “spongy moth,” the Entomological Society of America announced Wednesday. It is the first name change, along with the retirement of the name “gypsy ant,” that the organization governing the study of insects in the United States has implemented as part of its Better Common Names Project.