Researchers name butterfly species after "Lord of the Rings" villain Sauron

Scientists have named a butterfly genus after Sauron, the villain from the "Lord of the Rings" series, the Natural History Museum in London said Sunday.

Saurona triangula and saurona aurigera have bright orange hindwings with dark eyespots, the museum said. The distinctive wing markings reminded researchers of the "Eye of Sauron" from author J.R.R. Tolkien's book series. 

"Giving these butterflies an unusual name helps to draw attention to this underappreciated group," said Dr. Blanca Huertas, the senior curator of butterflies at the museum. "It shows that, even among a group of very similar-looking species, you can find beauty among the dullness."