LINCOLN, Neb. — In a touching tribute, a newly discovered butterfly species in the southeastern United States has been named Celastrina iryna, in memory of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee tragically murdered on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail this past August.

This unique species, identified by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, takes its name from the Greek goddess of peace, symbolizing tranquility, harmony, and serenity. The butterfly is believed to be a hybrid, showing similarities to Celastrina neglecta, but it stands out due to a distinctive dorsal overlay of clear wing scales, resembling those found in Celastrina ladon males.

During their research, scientists collected samples from Aiken County, South Carolina, and identified additional broods in Georgia, northern Florida, and Mississippi. Apart from Aiken, the butterfly was also found in South Carolina’s Barnwell, Dorchester, Jasper, and Orangeburg counties, with its primary flight period occurring in April.

The findings and the naming of the species were detailed in a report published by the International Lepidoptera Survey. The report concludes with a poignant image from Zarutska’s funeral service, accompanied by the heartfelt message: “May she never be forgotten.”

The species naming report was published in the International Lepidoptera Survey.

At the bottom of the study is the Ukrainian refugee’s image from her funeral service with the message: “May she never be forgotten.” 

Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was stabbed to death while riding the Charlotte light rail, just minutes from her home. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., was charged with first-degree murder in addition to the federal charge of causing a death on a mass transportation system. 

In a September statement, Zarutska’s family said she had a new life in Charlotte after moving here three years ago. She was working full-time at a local pizzeria — she was wearing a shirt for it at the time of her death — while attending community college to improve her English.  

“That night, she texted her boyfriend that she would be home soon,” they said. “Her loved ones became alarmed when she did not arrive at her apartment at the anticipated time, and her phone’s location alerted them that she was still at the station. Upon arriving at the station, they were devastated to learn that Iryna had died at the scene.” 

The tough-on-crime bill signed into law last month in North Carolina also was named for Zarutska.