Scientists are studying a group of butterflies that live up to 25 times longer than their relatives. The Heliconius genus, found in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, has lifespans that vary wildly. While some species live for only 14 days, others can live for up to 348 days.
Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity
Dr. Jessica Foley, the lead author of a study on the phenomenon, is trying to understand the reasons behind this unexpected longevity. She believes that the butterflies’ diet, which includes pollen, may play a role in their extended lifespan. Pollen contains lipids, which help with energy storage and boost immunity.
The researchers studied 28 species of Heliconius butterflies and found that those that fed on pollen lived longer than those that did not. They also used a unique device to measure age-related decline in older butterflies and found that the pollen-feeding species showed little or no physiological decline.
The study’s findings suggest that nutrition is an important factor in the butterflies’ longevity, but the researchers also suspect that the butterflies have evolved mechanisms to live longer. They plan to continue studying the butterflies to understand the secrets of their longevity and how it can be applied to humans.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
