A newly discovered butterfly species has been named in honor of Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was brutally stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train in August.
Zarutska, who fled war-torn Ukraine seeking safety in America, was attacked from behind and stabbed in the neck by a repeat violent offender, Decarlos Brown Jr., 31, while riding the train.
Surveillance footage captured the horrifying attack as bystanders failed to intervene while Zarutska bled to death.
To honor her memory, lepidopterist Harry Pavulaan, a 70-year-old butterfly researcher based in the southeastern United States, named a newly identified butterfly species “Celastrina Iryna,” or “Iryna’s Azure.”
Pavulaan said he was deeply moved by Zarutska’s story and wanted to create a lasting tribute to her life.
“The species name is a tribute to Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was senselessly murdered on August 22, 2025, on a Charlotte, N.C. transit car,” Pavulaan wrote in his report.
“Common name: Iryna’s Azure.
“The name is derived from the Greek goddess of peace, and is associated with tranquility, harmony, and serenity.”
Pavulaan said he was so devastated by Zarutska’s story that he wanted to ensure “she is never forgotten.”
“When I saw the story break… I’m 70 years old and I’m still driven to tears,” he explained.
“Her name will be forever immortalized as a butterfly,” the scientist added.
🚨#BREAKING: A scientist who discovered a new species of butterfly has named it after Iryna Zarutska to ensure "she is never forgotten."
The scientist said, "Her name will be forever immortalized as a butterfly…"
The butterfly is called "Iryna's Azure." pic.twitter.com/ebq9DqgplE
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) October 26, 2025
The scientist's name is Harry Pavulaan, he said:
"When I saw the story break… I'm 70 years old and I'm still driven to tears."
He sent copies of the research paper and a photo of the butterflies he discovered to Iryna's family in Ukraine.
What an incredible thing to do ❤️ pic.twitter.com/agnwZnXEkP
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) October 26, 2025
The butterfly, distinguished by its pale blue wings and delicate structure, was discovered as part of a decades-long effort to classify a mysterious population of azures first noted by South Carolina entomologist Ronald Gatrelle in 1985.
Gatrelle collected several specimens from Aiken and Barnwell counties, but never formally described them before his death.
After acquiring Gatrelle’s collection, Pavulaan began a systematic study and conducted field research between 2018 and 2019, collecting 88 male and three female specimens across South Carolina and Georgia.
His research confirmed the species’ presence in five states — Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
According to the published findings, Celastrina iryna males possess elongated, transparent wing scales that give them a distinctive reflective shimmer in flight, a trait seen in only two other butterfly species.
Scientists believe the species may have evolved through an ancient hybridization event.
Pavulaan said he sent the completed research and photographs of the butterfly to Zarutska’s family in Ukraine, hoping to provide them “a small measure of comfort” amid the ongoing grief.
A Systemic Failure That Should Never Have Happened
Zarutska’s killer, Decarlos Brown Jr., has been charged with first-degree murder and is eligible for the death penalty.
Brown was reportedly homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia, yet his violent criminal history stretches back nearly two decades.
Public records show at least 14 prior arrests in North Carolina, including convictions for assault, illegal firearms possession, felony robbery, and larceny.
Despite his violent record, he remained free at the time of the murder.
Local officials have faced intense criticism over the failure to keep Brown behind bars.
The case reignited national debate over cashless bail, mental health policies, and repeat offender leniency.
In response, North Carolina lawmakers passed “Iryna’s Law” earlier this month, a measure that eliminates cashless bail for violent offenders and expedites death penalty proceedings in cases involving premeditated murder.
Supporters say the law will close dangerous loopholes that allowed repeat criminals like Brown to reoffend.
Zarutska’s murder, and the quiet grace of a butterfly now bearing her name, has become both a symbol of remembrance and a call for accountability.
“Iryna’s Azure” will take flight each spring across the southeastern United States.
The butterfly will serve as a reminder, Pavulaan said, “that beauty and peace can still emerge from the deepest tragedies.”
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