New US Butterfly Species Named After Murdered Ukrainian Refugee

A newly discovered butterfly species in the southeastern United States, named Celastrina iryna, honors Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee tragically murdered on a Charlotte light rail train in North Carolina. Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln identified this hybrid species, noted for its distinctive light blue wings and unique dorsal overlay of clear wing scales, and found populations in South Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida, and Mississippi. The name "iryna," derived from the Greek goddess of peace, symbolizes tranquility, harmony, and serves to memorialize Zarutska's legacy. Zarutska had fled the war in Ukraine in 2022 and was working and studying English while rebuilding her life in Charlotte before her untimely death. The species naming report, published by the International Lepidoptera Survey, includes a tribute image from Zarutska's funeral with the message "May she never be forgotten." This dedication transforms scientific discovery into a symbol of hope, peace, and resilience, reflecting the profound impact of Zarutska’s life and the tragedy of her death.