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Health & Science3h 10m ago

A University of Bristol-led study found a tropical butterfly has evolved an anti-ageing strategy enabling it to live far longer than its closest relatives.

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South and Central America, Panama

Who
Dr Jessica Foley, University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
What
A University of Bristol-led study found a tropical butterfly has evolved an anti-ageing strategy enabling it to live far longer than its closest relatives.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:16:00 GMT · 3h 10m ago
Where
South and Central America, Panama ·
Why
Heliconius butterflies have evolved a unique strategy for extending lifespan, possibly linked to their unusual ability to feed on pollen as adults.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

The Heliconius butterfly, a species found in tropical rainforests of South and Central America, exhibits significantly longer lifespans and delayed aging compared to relatives, offering a new model for studying longevity.

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