Recently, the beetle Anophthalmus hitleri, named after Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi Party, has been the subject of interest and debate. Discovered in a cave in the former Yugoslavia in 1932 by naturalist Vladimir Kodric, the insect was eventually named after Hitler by Oskar Scheibel, a coleopterologist. The beetle was sent to Hitler as a tribute, prompting the Nazi leader to send a thank-you note to Scheibel.
The naming of Anophthalmus hitleri raised questions about Hitler’s fondness for beetles and his strong opinions about animal names. Hitler’s preference for the name “volkswagen,” which was chosen for the car designed by Ferdinand Porsche, is also mentioned as an example of his interest in this subject. Additionally, a request to introduce a rose and a strawberry named after Hitler was denied, while the naming of animals like bats and shrews was closely monitored by the German government during Hitler’s rule.
This information comes from a book by Michael Ohl titled “The Art of Naming,” which sheds light on the influence of Hitler and his administration on the naming of animals. The book highlights instances where the Nazi regime exerted control over the names of various animal species, demonstrating the extent of their influence. This raises questions about animal naming, especially in the context of Nazi Germany and the role of political figures in influencing the taxonomy of species.
In summary, the naming of Anophthalmus hitleri has sparked debate due to its association with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The book “The Art of Naming” provides insight into how Hitler’s regime influenced the naming of animals, shedding light on the political and social impact of these decisions. The story of Anophthalmus hitleri serves as a reminder of the influence of politics on scientific endeavors.
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