If anyone understands that names matter, it’s the Latter-day Saints. The Church has long been focused on names, wavering on whether “Mormon” should be shed in favor of their longer official title (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Naming, renaming, and the desire to belong are not just theological debates — they are identity projects, bound with history, recognition and legitimacy.

Long before the common name “Mormon” crickets, the insect had many names. In Nuuchu/Nuu-ciu, Southern Paiute, Shoshone and Goshute languages, these crickets were at times called mī-soods/maison , tsututtsi , tsutumpittseh , and innumerable unheard names that carry relationships and histories far deeper than the settler term “Mormon.”

I study these insects, and I think we should give them

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