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17h ago
Scientists name new moth discovery after Pope Leo XIV
- Scientists in Crete described a new moth species, Pyralis papaleonei, honoring Pope Leo XIV.
- The moth is called Pope Leo moth and linked to the pope’s environmental advocacy.
- DNA barcoding helped distinguish the new species from the previously misidentified one.
- Researchers analyzed about 100 specimens, with 45 identified as the new species.
- The moth’s activity is linked to artificial light and is mainly active in June.
- Pyralis papaleonei adds to a tradition of naming species after royalty or famous figures.
- Pope Leo XIV’s one-year anniversary as the first American pope is noted in context.
- The discovery underscores biodiversity concerns as many species remain undocumented.
- The study cites historical examples of species named after celebrities and royalty.
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