Iryna’s Azure – A New Species of Butterfly Named in Honour of Murdered Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska

Iryna’s Azure – A New Species of Butterfly Named in Honour of Murdered Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska

The researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have officially named the newly discovered species of butterfly in honour of the murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.

The species is native to South Carolina and is a small light-blue insect, named in her honour. She was stabbed to death on a train earlier this year.

As often seen in the azure butterflies, it belongs to the genus Celastrina and also features soft light-blue wings. It flies mostly in April, states the International Lepidoptera Survey.

As far as the study is concerned, it has been said that specimens were collected from Aiken County, South Carolina, whereas the broods from the species have been found in Georgia, northern Florida, and Mississippi.

Initially, the species was discovered in 1985 by another researcher but was not officially named.

Though the study had already been carried out for several years, after the death of Zarutska, the research gained acceleration.

Harry Pavulaan, president and director of the International Lepidoptera Survey, said that he had already come up with the name but hadn’t given it officially.

He added that after learning about Zarutska’s death, he decided to name the new species after her. The Independent reported that Zarutska’s mother responded to the tribute with a heartfelt letter.