Scientists Honor Ukrainian Refugee with New Butterfly Species
A newly identified butterfly species has been named in memory of a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina.
International Lepidoptera Chairman Harry Pavlan has dedicated the butterfly, now called “Irina’s Deep Blue,” to 23-year-old Irina Zalutka, as reported by ABC News. The incident occurred on August 22, when DeCarlos Brown Jr., 34, allegedly stabbed Zalutka aboard the Blue Lynx train.
“This will last longer than most other tributes because this is a living thing. Her name will be immortalized like a butterfly,” Pavlan shared with the outlet.
The butterfly features light blue wings with a hint of purple and is commonly found fluttering over South Carolina in April, according to a September publication. Pavlan realized it was a new species after examining a specimen collected in 2018, although another researcher originally discovered the insect way back in 1985.
Pavlan had initially named the butterfly differently. However, after viewing the video of Zalutka’s murder online, he felt compelled to change the name. “When I see the story break… even though I’m 70 years old, it still brings tears to my eyes,” he reflected.
Zalutka had fled Ukraine in 2022 and was living with family in the U.S. Reports suggest that she spent time in a bomb shelter before arriving in the country. She worked at a local pizzeria and was taking English classes at a community college, aspiring to be a veterinary assistant, as her uncle noted.
Brown is facing federal charges and could potentially receive the death penalty if found guilty. In a related move, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted “Irina’s Law” in September, aimed at reforming pretrial release conditions for violent crime suspects. Governor Josh Stein announced his approval of the bill on October 3.
Pavlan mentioned that he has sent a copy of the research paper and a framed image of the butterfly to Zalutka’s family. In a letter to Pavlan, Zalutka’s mother expressed gratitude for the honor, describing it as “noble” and “heartfelt.”
