Scientists name new moth discovery after Pope Leo XIV
Scientists have discovered a new moth species on the Greek island of Crete and named it Pyralis papaleonei in honor of Pope Leo XIV's environmental advocacy. The moth, characterized by purple forewings with an orange-golden spot and white stripes, was previously misidentified as a related species. Genetic and morphological analyses confirmed it as a distinct species within the Pyralis genus.
- ▪The new moth species was discovered in the White Mountains of western Crete at elevations between 3,281 and 3,937 feet.
- ▪Researchers analyzed around 100 specimens using physical traits and DNA barcoding to distinguish Pyralis papaleonei from Pyralis kacheticalis.
- ▪The naming follows a tradition of using royal or noble references in the Pyralis genus, such as Pyralis regalis and Pyralis cardinalis.
2 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 11 hours. All of the coverage we found sits in one bucket: right. That one-sidedness is itself worth noticing.
- ▪ Pope Leo XIV’s Fatherly Balancing Act — The American Spectator | USA News and Politics
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World News Scientists name new moth discovery after Pope Leo XIV By Jeanne Erickson Published May 16, 2026, 11:14 a.m. ET 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. A new moth species discovered on the Greek island of Crete was named after Pope Leo XIV. Peter Huemer “We hope that his voice may serve as an example for humanity,” the authors wrote.
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