LINCOLN, Neb. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A butterfly species found in the southeastern U.S. has been named in honor of the woman murdered on the Charlotte light rail in August, Iryna Zarutska.

The new species, Celastrina iryna, was studied by researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They discovered it is most similar to Celastrina neglecta but differs in its “unique dorsal overlay” of clear wing scales found in Celastrina ladon males.

The name is derived from the Greek goddess of peace, and is associated with tranquility, harmony and serenity.

Researchers believe this may be a hybrid species.

During the study, specimens were collected from Aiken Couty, South Carolina, as broods from the species were also identified in Georgia, north Florida and Mississippi.

In addition to Aiken,

See Full Page