Scientists are studying a group of tropical butterflies that live up to 25 times longer than their relatives. The Heliconius genus, found in the rainforests of South and Central America, has lifespans that vary greatly. While some species live for only 14 days, others can live for up to 348 days.
Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity
Dr. Jessica Foley, a postdoctoral scholar at Tufts University, led a study on the phenomenon. The researchers found that the butterflies’ diet plays a role in their longevity, with some species feeding on pollen as adults. This unique diet provides them with more energy and helps with energy storage and immunity.
The team used a device called the ‘Pullinator’ to measure age-related decline in older butterflies. They found that the Heliconius hecale species, which can live up to 277 days, showed little or no physiological decline during the test. In contrast, the closely related Dryas iulia species, which doesn’t feed on pollen and lives for 98 days, showed signs of age-related decline.
The study’s findings suggest that nutrition is an important factor in the butterflies’ longevity. However, the researchers also suspect that the butterflies have evolved mechanisms to live longer, which are still not fully understood.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
