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<p>Evolution has given rise to lifespans in extant species ranging from days to centuries. Given that mechanisms of ageing are highly conserved, studying long-lived lineages across the animal kingdom could yield insights relevant for healthy ageing in humans. The long lifespans reported for the <i>Heliconius</i> butterfly genus position it as a promising new model system for such studies, but its potential is limited by a paucity of available data. Here, we collate data from commercial butterfly houses, mark-release-recapture studies, and insectary populations to reveal the evolution of a three-fold lifespan extension in <i>Heliconius</i> over their close relatives in the Heliconiini tribe, with maximum lifespans in some species stretching nearly up to a year. We further demonstrate through captive experiments that this lifespan extension is accompanied by slowed actuarial and physiological ageing. Together, these results establish <i>Heliconius</i> as a powerful model for investigating the evolutionary and mechanistic basis of increased longevity.</p>

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Evolution of increased longevity and slowed ageing in a genus of tropical butterfly

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月16日

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  • Jessica Foley,
  • Josie McPherson,
  • Made Roger,
  • Cruz Batista,
  • Rémi Mauxion,
  • Greta Hernández,
  • Richard Kelson,
  • Fletcher J. Young,
  • W. Owen McMillan,
  • Stephen H. Montgomery

摘要

Evolution has given rise to lifespans in extant species ranging from days to centuries. Given that mechanisms of ageing are highly conserved, studying long-lived lineages across the animal kingdom could yield insights relevant for healthy ageing in humans. The long lifespans reported for the Heliconius butterfly genus position it as a promising new model system for such studies, but its potential is limited by a paucity of available data. Here, we collate data from commercial butterfly houses, mark-release-recapture studies, and insectary populations to reveal the evolution of a three-fold lifespan extension in Heliconius over their close relatives in the Heliconiini tribe, with maximum lifespans in some species stretching nearly up to a year. We further demonstrate through captive experiments that this lifespan extension is accompanied by slowed actuarial and physiological ageing. Together, these results establish Heliconius as a powerful model for investigating the evolutionary and mechanistic basis of increased longevity.