Controversies in Species Naming

This chapter examines the ethical implications of naming species after controversial figures, focusing on the case of Anophthalmus hitlery, or Hitler's beetle. It traces the tradition of species naming back to Carl Linnaeus and his transformative binomial nomenclature, discussing how the practice can reflect personal ideologies and societal values. The narrative highlights the tension between scientific discovery and cultural context, exploring both whimsical and serious aspects of species nomenclature.