New Butterfly Species 'Iryna's Azure': A Touching Tribute to Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska

A newly discovered butterfly species has been officially named "Iryna's Azure" to commemorate Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who tragically lost her life in a stabbing incident on a Charlotte, North Carolina train earlier this year. This delicate, light-blue butterfly, native to South Carolina, received its scientific designation from researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The name carries significant symbolism, drawing inspiration from the Greek goddess of peace and representing harmony and tranquility.

Populations of this butterfly species have been identified across Georgia, northern Florida, and Mississippi, with specimens collected from Aiken County, South Carolina for research purposes. Scientifically known as Celastrina iryna, this butterfly typically emerges in April and has been documented in South Carolina's Barnwell, Dorchester, Jasper, and Orangeburg counties.

Harry Pavulaan, who serves as president and director of the International Lepidoptera Survey, explained that Iryna's Azure belongs to the Celastrina genus found throughout the southeastern United States. The butterfly displays a characteristic soft light-blue wing coloration typical of "azure" butterflies.

Interestingly, Pavulaan had already selected a name for this butterfly before Zarutska's murder. The species was initially discovered in 1985 by another researcher but remained without an official designation until now.

Although scientists have studied this butterfly for several years, including research in South Carolina dating back to 2018, the formal documentation process was expedited following Zarutska's death.

Pavulaan shared that he was "driven to tears" upon learning about Zarutska's tragic passing, which motivated him to publish his research article naming the butterfly after the 23-year-old. According to The Independent, Zarutska's mother responded to this tribute with a letter describing it as "heartfelt."

Iryna Zarutska fled Ukraine with her family in 2022, escaping the war-torn country to build a new life in the United States. Her life was cut short when she was stabbed while riding the light rail in Charlotte on August 22. Authorities have arrested Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, on federal charges of violence against a railway carrier and a mass transit system resulting in death. The suspect could potentially face the death penalty.

Zarutska's family has expressed their "hope for swift justice" and welcomed the indictment against the suspect.