Heliconius butterflies show extreme lifespan variation, with some living 25 times longer than relatives
By
Ashley Strickland
Summary
Scientists have discovered that Heliconius butterflies in tropical rainforests have dramatically different lifespans, with some species living up to 348 days — nearly 25 times longer than their close relatives like the Dione juno butterfly which lives only 14 days. This extreme variation in longevity within the same genus offers researchers a unique opportunity to study the biological mechanisms behind aging and lifespan extension.
Source
Twitter / XHeliconius butterflies show extreme lifespan variation, with some living 25 times longer than relativescnn.itKey quotes
· 3 pulledSince most butterflies live a short time, fluttering between colorful flowers for a few weeks before dying, a few rare exceptions have stumped scientists.
Now, some long-lived tropical butterfly species are shedding light on the secrets of longevity.
Butterflies belonging to the Heliconius genus, which inhabit the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, have lifespans that vary wildly.
You might also wanna read
Continental-scale study reveals how dead foundation species shape ecosystem memory and living conspecifics
This article presents the first continental-scale study of how dead foundation species (trees, grasses, corals, oysters) continue to influen
science.org·8d ago
Duke of Burgundy butterfly population in Kent rises from 50 to nearly 600 over 20 years
The Duke of Burgundy butterfly population in Kent has surged from fewer than 50 individuals in 2005 to nearly 600 in 2024 — a 9,000% increas
bbc.co.uk·11d ago
First Greenland shark genome sequenced, revealing genetic secrets to 400-year lifespan and cancer resistance
Scientists have completed the first whole-genome sequence of the Greenland shark, the longest-lived vertebrate species. The research reveals
livescience.com·20d ago
Naked Mole Rats' DNA Repair Mechanisms May Hold Key to Longevity
A study from Tonji University in Shanghai reveals that naked mole rats' exceptional longevity—living up to 40 years compared to 3 years for
bbc.com·8mo agoStudy Finds Amish Men Live Five Years Longer Than General Population Due to Physical Activity
A scientific study comparing longevity between Amish men and the general US population found that Amish men live an average of five years lo
3D Climate Model Suggests Longer Lifespan for Earth's Biosphere Than Previously Estimated
This article presents new three-dimensional climate model calculations that predict a longer lifetime for Earth's vegetative biosphere than
agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com·10d agoComments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.