In the woods around Cosenza, science has revealed a new small miracle: A new species of butterfly. His name, Diplodoma Giulioregeniiis not accidental. Crea researchers, the Council for research in agriculture and analysis of the agricultural economythey chose to dedicate it to Giulio Regeni, the young Italian researcher brutally killed in Egypt in 2016. A tribute to his memory, a symbol of freedom and research, a sign that science can make the memory of those who lived for the knowledge.
A discovery between science and memory
The study, conducted as part of the project National Biodiversity Future Center of the PNRR and published in the international magazine Zootoxamade it possible to identify this new species belonging to the Psychidae family. The confirmation came thanks to a detailed analysis of mitochondrial DNA and morphological structures, which have highlighted unique characteristics compared to other species of the same kind.
“The discovery of Diplodoma Giulioregenii In an ecologically rich and diversified area like Southern Italy, on the one hand it highlights the presence of an immense variety of animal and vegetable species, which testifies to an still unexplored biological heritageon the other hand, however, the need to continue their studies and monitoring forest habitats to safeguard them, “he said Stefano Scalercioresearch coordinator.
The importance of biodiversity
There Diplodoma Giulioregenii lives in forest environments and, although its biology is still little known, It is assumed that the larva feeds on moss, lichen and fond leaves. Its discovery highlights how much it is still to be known about Italian biodiversity, especially in the ecologically rich areas of the South, often neglected by research compared to the most studied areas of northern Italy.
“The identification of new species contributes to improving the understanding of ecological networks and interactions between species in forest habitats, supporting a more informed forests and the conservation of local ecosystems,” explained Sara La Cava, one of the researchers involved in the study.
A tribute that resists the time
The link between a butterfly and a non -entomologist researcher may seem unusual, but in the fragile beat of the wings of the Diplodoma Giulioregenii The essence of research is reflected: explore, discover and give voice to what otherwise would remain invisible. With this dedication, the memory of Giulio Regeni is intertwined with science and with biodiversity, reminding us that Knowledge is a legacy that continues to live, beyond time and beyond the injustices.
