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

Oct 27, 2025 04:00 pm CST

Researchers have named a newly discovered light-blue butterfly species "Iryna's Azure" in honor of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was tragically murdered in North Carolina. The butterfly, native to South Carolina and scientifically known as Celastrina iryna, represents peace and tranquility, creating a lasting memorial to Zarutska who fled war-torn Ukraine only to lose her life in the United States.