New Butterfly Species Named After Pope Discovered in Crete

Thursday, 7 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A new butterfly species has been discovered in the mountains of Crete and officially named *Pyralis papaleonei* in honor of Pope Leo XIV. The species was found in the island's rugged interior highlands, adding to Crete's already rich biodiversity. Crete is home to hundreds of endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, making it a destination of significant ecological interest. For nature-loving visitors, the island's mountain regions, including the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the Psiloritis massif, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and hiking. Guided nature walks and ecotourism tours operate throughout the spring and summer seasons, when butterfly activity peaks. This discovery highlights why Crete's mountainous zones deserve exploration beyond the coastline, offering a different dimension to any visit to the island.