Tropical butterflies show lifespans up to 25 times longer than relatives

A tropical butterfly from the Heliconius genus reaches a maximum adult lifespan of 348 days, nearly 25 times longer than some close relatives, according to research published Tuesday in Nature Communications. The Dione juno butterfly lives 14 days after reaching adulthood, while Heliconius hewitsoni lives 348 days. Other Heliconius species recorded lifespans between 106 and 277 days.

Diet and longevity Most adult butterflies feed only on nectar and rely on energy stored during the caterpillar stage. Heliconius butterflies also consume pollen as adults, which supplies amino acids and lipids used for egg production and energy storage.

Researchers removed pollen from the diets of several Heliconius species. The butterflies still lived substantially longer than non-pollen-feeding relatives, indicating that factors beyond nutrition contribute to their extended lifespan.

Measuring physical decline Scientists built a device called the Pullinator to test grip strength in older butterflies. The Heliconius hecale species, which can live up to 277 days, showed little loss of muscle function or body mass during the test. A related species that does not eat pollen showed clear signs of age-related decline by 98 days.

The study concluded that some Heliconius butterflies have evolved both slower physiological aging and longer reproductive periods. The findings suggest the insects may serve as a model for studying mechanisms that slow aging, though the specific genetic pathways remain unidentified.