Archive · 27 Oct 2025
New Butterfly Named in Honor of Murdered Ukrainian Refugee
A new type of butterfly has been named "Iryna's Azure" after a young Ukrainian woman named Iryna Zarutska.
She was tragically killed in the US after fleeing the war in her home country.
This butterfly is small and light blue, found in the southeastern United States.
Researchers decided to name the butterfly after her.
The man responsible for Zarutska's death has been arrested.
Iryna's family hopes for justice.
The name is linked to peace, reflecting the hope for tranquility.
A new butterfly species, "Iryna's Azure," was named after a murdered Ukrainian refugee.
Iryna Zarutska, age 23, was killed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The butterfly is a light-blue species found in the southeastern US.
The naming was expedited after Zarutska's death; the species was first found in 1985.
The suspect in Zarutska's murder has been arrested and faces federal charges.
- Who
- Iryna Zarutska (deceased) is honored with a new butterfly species name; Harry Pavulaan, president of the International Lepidoptera Survey, led the naming.
- What
- A new butterfly species, "Iryna's Azure," has been named after a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, who was murdered.
- When
- The species was documented and named after Zarutska's death in 2024; Zarutska was killed on August 22.
- Where
- The butterfly is native to the southeastern US, with broods found in several states. Zarutska was murdered on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Why
- The butterfly was named in Zarutska's honor to commemorate her life, linked with themes of peace and tranquility.
- Butterfly Name
- Iryna's Azure (Celastrina iryna)
- Named After
- Iryna Zarutska
- Native Region
- Southeastern US
- First Found
- 1985
- Zarutska's Age
- 23
- Zarutska's Death
- Stabbed on August 22 in Charlotte, NC
- Suspect
- Decarlos Brown Jr.