New study on butterflies and moths reveals something quite amazing

Study confirms surprising pollination outcome for lepidoptera

by Annette J Beveridge

A new study on butterflies and moths has revealed something amazing. Data published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface this month (July 2024) has revealed why butterflies and moths are some of the best pollinators even when not landing on a flower.

Static electricity

Research by the Bristol School of Biological Sciences and researchers found that in flight, a butterfly or moth draws pollen towards it due to the static electricity created by its wings. Pollen can travel in the air gaps for several centimetres and the effectiveness of pollination is improved.

Species variations

During the research process, the team observed the quantity of static electricity depended upon the species, ecological differences and whether day or night fliers.

The study

The idea behind the study was to test whether butterflies or moths could accumulate the charge to a sufficient level to attract the pollen from flowers and onto the body.

269 butterflies and moths (11 different species) from five different continents and ecological niches were observed.

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