New Butterfly Genus Named after Sauron from Lord of the Rings
Photo from B Huertas (c) Trustees Natural History Museum
Edited by Audrey Yeung
Inspired by a similarity between the insect patterning and the infamous Lord of the Rings villain, scientists have named a newly discovered genus of butterfly Saurona. The orange wings and black eyespots found on the butterflies apparently reminded all the scientists of Sauron, who hope that the unique name will help to generate funds for more research into the genus. So far, two species have been added to the genus: Saurona triangula and Saurona aurigera. More species in the genus are expected to be found in the near future.
Butterflies, alongside many animal species, face a number of threats including habitat loss and climate change.
According to the National History Museum in London, the use of fictional character names generates press about new scientific discoveries and helps engage a broader audience in conservation efforts. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), has set out some rules for how to name any species or genus discovered. While the full guide is eighteen chapters long, some important rules include: the name must be unique, it cannot use any rude words and it cannot be named after the person who actually discovered the species. Naming species after fictional characters is a relatively common practice however, with the Ninja Turtles, Han Solo, Godzilla, SpongeBob, and Batman all being honoured in the past. This butterfly genus is also not the only animal named after Sauron either, with a frog, a dung beetle, and a dinosaur also sharing a name with the ruler of Mordor.
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