Butterfly Species Named After Ukrainian Refugee
Lincoln, Nebraska — A new species of butterfly discovered in the southeastern United States has been named Celastrina iryna, in honor of Irina Zalutka, a Ukrainian refugee tragically killed while riding a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, last August.
The research team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln conducted studies on this butterfly species. The name draws inspiration from the Greek goddess associated with peace, reflecting themes of tranquility and harmony.
Researchers speculate that Celastrina iryna may be a hybrid, primarily resembling Celastrina lagon, with some distinct differences noted in the dorsal overlap of the transparent wing scales seen in male Celastrina ladon butterflies.
For their study, the team collected specimens from Aiken County, South Carolina, but they have also identified related descendants in regions like Georgia, northern Florida, and Mississippi. Apart from Aiken, C. iryna can also be found in several other South Carolina counties, and it typically makes its appearance in April.
The findings from this study were published in the International Lepidoptera Survey. A solemn message accompanies the publication, showing an image of Zalutka at her funeral with the words, “May she never be forgotten.”
Zalutka, just 23 years old, was fatally attacked on a commuter train in Charlotte, moments away from her home. The suspect, DeCarlos Brown Jr., faces charges including first-degree murder and federal charges related to causing fatal incidents on public transport.
Her family shared that she had been building a new life in Charlotte after moving there three years prior. Balancing work at a local pizzeria—she was wearing her uniform at the time of her death—with her studies at community college to enhance her English skills, she seemed to be on a promising path.
The night of her death, she had notified her boyfriend she would return home soon. When she failed to arrive as expected, her family grew concerned, only to discover she was still at the station when they checked her location. They were devastated to learn that Irina had passed away at the scene.
In response to her tragic death, North Carolina’s government recently enacted an anti-crime bill named in her honor.
