Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
If you had to use one phrase to describe Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, what would it be? “Gender equality warrior” is one that immediately comes to mind, “women’s rights hero” is another, and “pop-culture icon for millennial feminists” is yet a third. One phrase that certainly doesn’t come to mind is “namesake of previously unidentified praying mantis,” but Justice Ginsburg is apparently an inspiration to all, even entomologists.
Justice Ginsburg very recently earned the rare honor of having an insect named after her after Sydney Brannoch, a Case Western Reserve University Ph.D. candidate, used the genitals of female praying mantises to distinguish one species from another. This is the first time in the history of entomology that such a study had ever been performed. Brannoch’s research was published in Insect Systematics & Evolution, and she named the new species of praying mantis the Ilomantis ginsburgae. Here’s more information on Brannoch’s discovery, courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History:
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“This species description of Ilomantis ginsburgae is novel since it relied heavily on the features of the female genitalia,” said lead author Brannoch, [who works] under the direction of [Dr. Gavin] Svenson at the Museum. “As a feminist biologist, I often questioned why female specimens weren’t used to diagnose most species. This research establishes the validity of using female specimens in the classification of praying mantises. It is my hope that our work not only sets a precedent in taxonomy but also underscores the need for scientists to investigate and equally consider both sexes in other scientific investigations.”
First discovered in Madagascar, the Ilomantis ginsburgae is green, has a flattened body, conical eyes, and broad, veiny wings. What sets this mantis apart from all others is its decorate neck plate. Brannoch says the mantis was named after Justice Ginsburg “in honor of her commitment to women’s rights and gender equality and . . . for her for her appreciation of the jabot.” From the Cleveland Museum of Natural History:
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Let’s not forget that similar to Justice Ginsburg, female praying mantises are known for decimating males of the species by ripping off their heads. Luckily for her colleagues, Justice Ginsburg does so with her cutting dissents and biting commentary.
Congratulations to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a jurist most supreme who has now served as an influence in both art and science.
Scientists Pioneer New Method to Identify Mantises [Cleveland Museum of Natural History]
New praying mantis honors Ruth Bader Ginsburg, equality and frilly neckwear [Washington Post]
Praying Mantis Honored to Be Named After Ruth Bader Ginsburg [New York Magazine]
Staci Zaretsky is an editor at Above the Law. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. Follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.