July 16, 2026
Researchers at the University of Bristol, UK, have made an interesting discovery about butterflies of the Heliconius genus by studying their lifespan and diet. The lifespan of butterfly species from this genus, such as the Helioco nius hewitsoni, can reach up to 348 days, which is much longer than that of other butterfly species that only survive a few days. According to researchers, Heliconius butterflies consume pollen grains, which could contribute to their longer lifespan compared to most butter flies, whose diet consists only of nectar. However, in addition to their consumption of pollen, scientists recently found that some butterflies from the group have developed the ability to slow down their ageing, which could provide clues about ageing in humans too.
DID YOU KNOW?
Butterflies’ colourful wings serve many purposes, including offering protection from predators and regulating body temperature.
