Scientists name new moth discovery after Pope Leo XIV

Holy moth-er of God!Scientists have discovered a new species of moth found only on the Greek island of Crete — and named it after Pope Leo XIV to honor his advocacy for the environment.Pyralis papaleonei — Pope Leo moth — was recently spotted by sharp-eyed entomologists who buzzed about their papal tribute in an April 28 study published in Nota Lepidopterologica, a journal specializing in moths and butterflies.“We hope that his voice may serve as an example for humanity,” the authors wrote.The moth features striking purple forewings with an orange-golden spot and prominent white stripes, and was found exclusively in the White Mountains in the western part of Crete.Most specimens were collected at elevations between 3,281 and 3,937 feet.The new species had actually been in scientific databases for years but was misidentified as a related species, “Pyralis kacheticalis,” which means “the moth from Kakheti.”But, according to the scientific paper, after experts took a closer look at both the moths’ physical traits and their DNA, they realized they’d been lumping the two species together when they were actually genetically different.

Researchers analyzed around 100 specimens, including 45 individuals of the new species, using both physical examination and DNA barcoding, which is a short genetic sequence to identify species.The insects have been observed near artificial light sources and they appear to be most active in June — but so far, little is known about their habits and habitat.Other species carry names referencing royalty or nobility — including “Pyralis regalis,” “Pyralis cardinalis,” “Pyralis imperialis,” and “Pyralis princeps” — so the naming fits a long-standing tradition within this taxonomical group, according to the study.About 700 moth species are discovered every year, although most are located in tropical habitats.“We are facing a global biodiversity crisis, yet only a fraction of the world’s species has ...