In an era where climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, dragonflies are showcasing a remarkable evolutionary adaptation that could offer them resilience against the warming trends of their habitats.
Researchers from the University of Colorado have discovered that a waxy coating, known as pruinescence, found on dragonflies could be a key factor in their survival.
Pruinescence: The Evolutionary Edge (Photo : ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that pruinescence is not merely a trait for attracting mates but also a functional adaptation to resist overheating and dehydration.
This waxy, ultra-violet-reflective substance produced by male dragonflies has been observed to reduce body heating and water loss, allowing these insects to thrive in hot and dry conditions.
The research team, led by Michael Moore, Sarah Nalley, and Dalal Hamadah, conducted a series of physiological experiments on two dragonfly species.
They found that dragonflies with pruinescence could maintain lower body temperatures and conserve moisture more effectively than those without it.
This discovery is particularly significant for species that engage in perching behavior during courtship, which involves males remaining stationary in well-lit areas to attract females, making them vulnerable to the harsh sun.
Dragonflies play a crucial role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey. Their ability to adapt to warmer and drier conditions is vital for the balance of their ecological communities.
The study's biogeographic analysis of over 387,000 dragonfly records, including information on pruinescence, indicated that species with this waxy coating are more prevalent in warm and dry regions.
Moreover, temporal analyses suggest that pruinose species have been better buffered against the impacts of contemporary climate change compared to their non-pruinose counterparts.
This evolutionary innovation, initially a mating advantage, has now become a critical adaptation for coping with environmental changes.
The researchers suggest that such adaptations may be present in other insects as well, potentially increasing their chances of survival in a warming world.
The findings underscore the importance of understanding natural adaptations and their role in species' resilience to climate change.
As global temperatures continue to rise, insights into how species like dragonflies respond to these changes can inform conservation efforts and strategies for preserving biodiversity.
In conclusion, the waxy coating of dragonflies is a remarkable example of nature's adaptability. It underscores the need for continued research into the ways species are evolving in response to climate change.
By learning from these natural innovations, we can better appreciate the complexity of life on Earth and the importance of protecting it.
Insects that have adapted to climate change?
Fall Armyworm:
This pest has spread due to increased rainfall and elevated temperatures, which are perfect conditions for them to breed and grow quickly. The warmer and wetter conditions also support the growth of over 70 host plants that the fall armyworm feeds upo.
Desert Locust:
The major desert locust outbreak in eastern Africa, which started in 2019, spread due to unusually heavy rainfall that created the perfect environment for locusts to breed and increase in numbers and size. The rains also supported the growth of vegetation to feed them.
Monarch Butterfly:
The famous migration of the North American monarch butterfly is one of the most well-documented examples of an insect species affected by climate change. Changes in weather patterns have impacted their migration and breeding cycles.