SCIENCETHE ATLANTIC
The Butterflies That Defy Aging
Heliconius butterflies defy typical aging patterns by living up to a year—25 times longer than related species—and maintaining vitality like feeding, laying eggs, and muscle strength. Their longevity is linked to a unique diet of pollen, processed via a specialized proboscis, and larger brain regions for memory, according to a study in Nature Communications led by Jessica Foley and Stephen Montgomery.
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