New Moth Species Named “Pope Leo Moth” As Scientists Honour Pontiff’s Climate Advocacy

Akahi News learnt that a newly discovered moth species found on the Mediterranean island of Crete has been named “Pyralis papaleonei” — or the “Pope Leo moth” — in honour of Pope Leo XIV, recognising his passionate advocacy for climate and environmental protection.

The discovery was announced on May 11, 2026, through a research article published in the journal Nota Lepidopterologica. Akahi News gathered that the entomologists behind the finding — Peter Huemer, Lauri Kaila, and Andreas H. Segerer — explicitly dedicated the species to the head of the Catholic Church, citing his powerful voice on ecological issues.

“The pontiff is a strong advocate of climate and environmental protection, and we hope that his voice may serve as an example for humanity,” the researchers wrote in their article. It was alleged that this rare honour places Pope Leo XIV alongside royalty and cardinals in the scientific tradition of naming creatures after distinguished individuals.

A Moth Fit For A Pope: Gold Spots And White Bands

According to the entomologists, the medium-sized moth has a wingspan of approximately two centimetres and is distinguished by gold spots and prominent white bands. Akahi News had earlier reported that insects are rarely named after living religious figures, making this dedication particularly significant.

The researchers noted that the moth’s appearance places it within a group of Pyralidae species whose names are associated with high secular or ecclesiastical offices. “Furthermore, due to its distinctive coloration and overall appearance, the new species belongs to a group of Pyralidae whose species names refer to high secular or ecclesiastical offices including Pyralis regalis, Pyralis imperialis, Pyralis princeps, and Pyralis cardinalis,” they wrote.

A press release from the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum — also known as the Tyrolean State Museum in Innsbruck, Austria — explained that butterflies and moths are often named after external characteristics, geographical locations, or distinguished individuals. Within the Pyralis genus, the naming tradition dates back to 1775 when Austrian naturalists and Jesuits Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller described the first species of the group as Pyralis regalis, meaning “royal,” because of its coloration.

That 18th-century choice inspired later names such as Pyralis princeps and Pyralis cardinalis, which belong to the Pyraloidea superfamily comprising approximately 16,000 described species worldwide. The Pope Leo moth now joins this exclusive club — an insect aristocracy linked to the highest offices of church and state.

From Genesis To Modern Science: The Ancient Task Of Naming

Referencing the Book of Genesis, the museum also highlighted the deeper historical roots of taxonomy — the science of naming and classifying organisms. According to the museum, Adam’s task of naming animals in Genesis Chapter 2 has often led taxonomy to be regarded “in the biblical sense, the oldest task of humankind.”

It is a profound connection. The same impulse that moved Adam to name the creatures of Eden has now moved scientists to name a Mediterranean moth after a 21st-century pope. The naming of Pyralis papaleonei adds a modern and symbolic chapter to that centuries-old scientific tradition, linking environmental advocacy with the enduring practice of classifying the natural world.

Consider the Catholic environmentalist in Nigeria who has struggled to convince fellow parishioners that caring for creation is not a distraction from evangelisation but an integral part of it. He sees a moth named after Pope Leo and feels vindicated. If scientists can honour the Pope’s climate advocacy through taxonomy, then perhaps the Church’s environmental message is finally being heard beyond the pews.

Or think of the young Nigerian student who dreams of becoming an entomologist. She reads about a moth named after a pope and realises that science and faith need not be enemies. The same God who created the moth inspired the scientists who named it and the pontiff who defends its habitat. That realisation could spark a vocation — and Nigeria needs more scientists who see their work as worship.

It is not a child’s play, this business of naming species. Each name tells a story. Pyralis regalis speaks of royalty. Pyralis cardinalis speaks of the Church. And now Pyralis papaleonei speaks of a pope who has made the environment a central pillar of his pontificate. Future generations of lepidopterists — butterfly and moth scientists — will encounter this name and remember that there was once a pontiff who refused to stay silent while the planet burned.

The researchers hope that Pope Leo’s voice may serve as an example for humanity. A moth with gold spots and white bands now carries that hope on its two-centimetre wings. It is a small creature. But sometimes, the smallest creatures carry the largest meanings.

Pope Leo XIV has not yet publicly responded to the honour. But those who follow his papacy know that he views environmental destruction as a sin against God and a crime against the poor. A moth named after him is not merely a compliment. It is a reminder of the urgent task ahead: to protect creation before more species disappear before they can even be named.

📌 Fact Summary Box

New species name: Pyralis papaleonei (“Pope Leo moth”).

Discovered on: Mediterranean island of Crete.

Announcement date: May 11, 2026.

Published in: Nota Lepidopterologica (scientific journal).

Discoverers: Peter Huemer, Lauri Kaila, Andreas H. Segerer.

Honouree: Pope Leo XIV.

Reason for honour: Pontiff’s advocacy for climate and environmental protection.

Wingspan: Approximately 2 centimetres.

Distinctive features: Gold spots and prominent white bands.

Taxonomic context: Belongs to Pyralidae family; naming tradition includes Pyralis regalis (royal), Pyralis imperialis, Pyralis princeps, Pyralis cardinalis.

Historical note: Naming tradition dates to 1775 when Austrian naturalists/Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller described Pyralis regalis.

Biblical connection: Museum referenced Genesis 2 (Adam naming animals) as “the oldest task of humankind.”

Significance: Links environmental advocacy with centuries-old scientific tradition of classification.

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Akahi News will continue tracking stories at the intersection of faith, science, and the environment. Stay with us. Stay curious. And remember: every creature, no matter how small, has a name. And every child, no matter how humble, deserves the chance to earn one.