New Amazonian Butterfly Species Named After Sauron, But Not For His Good Looks

A researcher spent 10 years studying a group of Euptychiina butterflies and named a new genus Saurona after the evil character from The Lord of the Rings.
The Saurona genus includes two identified brown and orange species found in the Amazon rainforest that are difficult to tell apart.
The eye-catching name is meant to raise awareness for butterfly conservation and habitat protection.
The Amazon rainforest where the butterflies live faces threats from deforestation, drought, and wildfires worsened by climate change.
Research on butterflies can provide insights into issues like pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation.