CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A researcher in Virginia has made a lasting tribute to the woman who was killed on Charlotte's light rail this summer.

Harry Pavulaan with the International Lepidoptera Survey named a new butterfly species after Iryna Zarutska last month.

"A butterfly is a beautiful organism," he said.

The newly recognized species is called Celastrina iryna. Its common name is Iryna's Azure.

Zarutska's tragic story grabbed the nation's attention, and Pavulaan's, following her killing in August on a Charlotte light rail train.

"It was just so disturbing," Pavulaan said. "I figured maybe I can do my part to give her a tribute."

Pavulaan researched the unique butterfly in South Carolina, where they're found.

Initially, he was going to call the species 'Carolina', but

See Full Page