Hot temperatures can dull blue morpho butterflies' iridescent scales
Blue morpho butterflies have captivated the human eye for centuries. We even have one as an emoji on our phones. In a recent experiment, researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) documented for the first time that hot temperatures during development can reduce the brightness of their iridescence. At hot temperatures, such as those projected in future warming scenarios, the…
Blue morpho butterflies, renowned for their captivating iridescent scales, have been the subject of recent scientific study exploring the effects of temperature changes on their coloration. Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) exposed pupae of the Morpho helenor species to varying temperatures, revealing that hot temperatures during development can dull the butterflies' iridescence.
At higher temperatures, akin to those projected by climate change, the nanostructures responsible for iridescence can alter, potentially affecting the butterflies' appearance to predators and potential mates. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, found that exposure to hot temperatures extended pupation time and increased mortality rates in the butterflies, while also causing their adult counterparts to exhibit a less vibrant color.
This color change, partly attributed to the shrinking of nanostructures and narrowing of wing scales, was noticeable to both conspecifics and bird predators, suggesting that warming climates could impact the butterflies' visibility and mating success. Scientists emphasize the significance of these findings in predicting the broader impacts of rising temperatures on various species, highlighting the adaptability of these microscopic structures to environmental changes.
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