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Butterflies Use Static Electricity for Efficient Pollination

New research reveals butterflies and moths attract pollen without contact, enhancing their role as key pollinators.

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Close-up of butterfly pollinating on flower

Overview

  • Butterflies and moths generate static electricity while flying, pulling pollen from flowers across air gaps.
  • The amount of static electricity varies by species, influenced by their ecological niches and behaviors.
  • This is the first evidence showing static electricity as an adaptive trait influenced by natural selection.
  • The findings suggest potential applications in agriculture to improve pollination efficiency.
  • Researchers plan to study more species to understand the broader ecological and evolutionary impacts.