AI Insight
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered that exposure to high temperatures during development can diminish the brightness of blue morpho butterflies' iridescent scales. The structural changes to the scales are significant enough that they would likely be perceived as color changes by bird predators and other butterflies of the same species. This represents the first documented evidence that developmental temperature affects the iridescence of these iconic butterflies.
Why it matters
As global temperatures rise due to climate change, blue morpho butterflies may undergo color changes that could affect their ability to communicate with mates and evade predators. This finding demonstrates that climate warming could impact species through unexpected pathways beyond direct thermal stress, potentially affecting survival and reproduction in visually-dependent species.
Understand the Science
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 structures responsible for their iridescent color could change enough that common bird predators and other butterflies of the same species would likely see a color change.
Source: Hot temperatures can dull blue morpho butterflies' iridescent scales