In a truly poignant and enduring tribute, a newly recognized species of butterfly has been named in honor of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee whose life was tragically cut short in Charlotte. The naming, bestowed by American lepidopterist Harry Pavulaan, president of the International Lepidoptera Survey, ensures that Iryna’s name is forever etched into the natural world.
The Discovery and the Dedication
The butterfly, formally described as Celastrina iryna and now known as Iryna’s Azure, is a delicate, light-blue-winged creature found primarily in the southeastern coastal plain, including areas around Charlotte, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Researchers have noted its distinctive characteristics, suggesting it may be the first known hybrid introgression within the Celastrina genus of Azure butterflies.
While the insect had been spotted decades earlier, it had not been officially described until Pavulaan’s research. Upon learning of Iryna Zarutska’s senseless murder in August 2025, the scientist was moved to dedicate the species to her memory. It became a powerful symbol, ensuring her legacy of peace and hope, which she embodied as a refugee seeking a new beginning, would endure through a living, beautiful organism.
A Name Rooted in Peace
The choice of “Iryna” is particularly symbolic. The Ukrainian name, Iryna (Ірина), is derived from the Ancient Greek name Eirene, the goddess and personification of Peace. This association with tranquility and serenity provides a deep, meaningful layer to the scientific designation, transforming a taxonomic classification into a living monument.
Iryna’s Azure now flies as a perpetual, natural reminder of the young woman’s life, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a beautiful counterpoint to the violence that ended her journey in Charlotte. As a scientific name, it is a permanent and global recognition, outlasting many other forms of memorial.
Other Butterfly Names Inspired by People and Places
The practice of naming butterflies after people, mythological figures, or places is common in the world of lepidoptery. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the inspiration behind scientific nomenclature. For example, the beautiful Monarch butterfly, one of North America’s most recognizable species, is part of the Danaus genus, a name derived from a legendary Greek king.
- Vanessa: A large genus of brush-footed butterflies, this name gained popularity as a given name after Jonathan Swift’s poem “Cadenus and Vanessa.”
- Apollo: A large, striking white butterfly, the Parnassius apollo, is named after the Greek god.
- Julia: The bright orange Dryas iulia is known simply as the Julia butterfly.
These names, including Iryna’s Azure, connect the intricate world of nature to human history, legend, and memory, creating a lasting emotional and cultural legacy alongside the scientific one.
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