BUTTERFLIES USE STATIC ELECTRICITY FOR POLLINATION

Why in the News?

Butterflies and moths collect significant static electricity during flight, allowing them to attract pollen grains from flowers across air gaps of several millimeters or centimeters.

A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface reveals this discovery, highlighting the enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of these insects as pollinators.

Research Insights

Static electricity levels vary among butterfly and moth species, linked to ecological factors like flower visitation, tropical habitats, and activity times.
This study is the first to suggest that static electricity accumulation in animals is an adaptive trait influenced by natural selection.

Testing Process

Researchers examined 269 butterflies and moths from 11 species across five continents, finding all individuals carried a net electrostatic charge, a universal trait among Lepidoptera.
Despite a lower wingbeat frequency, butterflies and moths still accumulate enough electrostatic charge to enable contactless pollination, boosting their effectiveness as pollinators.

Source: BS

Important Butterflies( UPSC prespective)

Candidates for National Butterfly:

Indian Jezebel: Found across the country.
Orange Oakleaf: Found in central, northern, and northeastern India; blue and orange in color.
Common Nawab: Found all over the country.
Krishna Peacock: Black with beautiful colors; found in Sikkim, northwest Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Five-bar Swordtail: Found in evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, eastern Himalayas, and northeast India.
Northern Jungle Queen: Extraordinarily large; traditional weaving patterns of Mishmi communities in Arunachal Pradesh are inspired by this butterfly.
Yellow Gorgon: Bright yellow; found in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, northern West Bengal, and Sikkim.

State Butterflies in India:

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