See the New, ‘Strongly Territorial’ Butterfly Species Scientists Just Discovered

Researchers at Jagiellonian University in Poland have discovered a new species of butterfly residing in the Peruvian Andes.

The Jagiellonian University scientists have recently uncovered a new species of butterfly in the region, which they’ve named Catasticta copernicus. Its genus, Catasticta, has over one hundred other species, and this species, named after Polish scientist Nicolaus Copernicus, is only the newest addition. The researchers studying the butterfly found it along the edge of a forest at an altitude of around 11,483 feet (3,500 meters) above sea level. For reference, the highest elevation in the continental United States, Mt. Whitney, peaks at 14,494 feet.

As of right now, the Center for Nature Education at the university is housing four individuals of the species. This includes three males and a single female butterfly. However, different collections throughout Europe have the 11 other individuals captured at the time. Researchers caught the first specimens in 2021. Over time, hopefully, more information will become available about this interesting species.

The Catasticta copernicus is a bright yellow butterfly with black markings. Its common name is the Copernicus dartwhite butterfly. Males of the species are highly territorial. When waiting for a female, they drive away other insects.

About the Catasticta Genus

The Catasticta genus is a long-known one, with the genus first being constructed in 1870 to recognize these butterflies. Dartwhites, or dart whites, make up this species. It contains five different subgenera, as well as several species groups.

Dart whites are a Neotropical group of species. This means they are native to the southernmost regions of North America (including the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America) as well as South America. The Neotropics also includes Peru, where this new butterfly species resides in the Andes.

Who Is Nicolaus Copernicus?

Since this new butterfly species is named for Nicolaus Copernicus, you may be wondering who this scientist was. Copernicus was a mathematician and astronomer who lived during the late 13th century and early 14th century.

Although Copernicus may not have dealt with butterfly species himself, he is considered a notable name of importance in Polish history. Nicolaus Copernicus created a mathematical model of a heliocentric system, as well as several economic theories and laws. Researchers named the butterfly species for him on the 550th anniversary of the scientist’s birth.