A new species of butterfly in the United States has been named after Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was brutally murdered while traveling on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The scientist who chose the name said the symbolic move would help preserve the girl's memory forever.
This is reported by ABC News.
The new butterfly species has been named Iryna's Azure . It is distinguished by its delicate light blue wings, which in the light can have a purple-blue tint. The insect was first discovered in 1985 in South Carolina, but it has only now received an official scientific name.
The initiator was Harry Pavulaan, president and director of the International Lepidopterological Service. He admitted that he had initially planned a different name for the species, but after seeing the story of Irina Zarutskaya in the media, he was so moved by her fate that he decided to dedicate the discovery to her.
"It will outlive most other memorable symbols, because it is a living organism. Her name will be immortalized in nature, in the name of a butterfly that will fly decades later," Pavulaan said.
The scientist also contacted Zarutskaya's family to inform them of his decision. Iryna's mother responded to him in a letter, calling the gesture "noble and sincere."
Iryna Zarutska left Ukraine after the outbreak of full-scale war. She sought a safe life in the United States, but was the victim of a brutal crime while traveling by train in Charlotte.
The name of the Ukrainian woman will now remain in scientific history - along with a fragile creature that symbolizes light, hope, and eternal memory.
