El global warming It is affecting the lives of many species, and the butterflies y dragonflies are no exception. These insects, which have inhabited the Earth for millions of years, are seeing their distribution and physical appearance altered due to changes in the temperatures global
Relationship between climate and the color of butterflies and dragonflies
On the scale of the European continent, the species of butterflies y dragonflies They have notable differences in their colours depending on the geographical region where they live. In the northernmost latitudes of the continent, where temperatures tend to be cooler, dark-coloured dragonflies and butterflies predominate. As we approach the southern regions, such as the Iberian Peninsula, Sardinia y Sicilia, the species have a lighter coloration, suggesting a adaptation to hot climate. This pattern is closely related to the ability of insects to absorb or reflect light. sunlight depending on their colors.
Species with dark colors, which absorb more sunlight, have an advantage in cold climates, as they can increase their body temperature more quickly by absorbing more energy from the sun. On the other hand, light species, which reflect more light, are more efficient at avoiding the overheating in areas where temperatures are higher.
The impact of global warming on insect distribution
Over the past few decades, species of butterflies y dragonflies Lighter-colored models have been gaining ground in Europe, displacing their darker-colored relatives. This trend is directly related to the rising temperatures due to the global warming. According to a study led by Dirk Zeuss According to a study by the University of Marburg, which examined the distribution of 366 butterfly species and 107 dragonfly species, the paler species are moving northwards as temperatures gradually rise.
This shift is noticeable in distribution maps of dragonflies and butterflies compiled between 1988 and 2006. During that period, scientists observed how dark-coloured species began to migrate to colder regions of northern Europe, such as Norway, Sweden o Finland. For their part, brightly colored and lighter species have been moving from the south to the north, in search of habitats in areas where temperatures were previously lower than those they can currently tolerate.
How wing color affects climate adaptation
Studies suggest that the color of insects' bodies and wings not only influences their ability to sobrevivir in certain areas, but also in their reproductive successDark colored butterflies and dragonflies are not only better at raising your temperature in cold weather, but they generally have bigger wings, which gives them a greater ability to fly long distances in search of food or a mate. However, these species are more affected by the heat hits, since their bodies absorb more solar radiation.
In contrast, lighter colored butterflies, particularly those in the family Lycaenidae, which have small wings and bright iridescent colorations, are less capable of dampen the heat from the sun and have a greater tendency to overheat. These species are more vulnerable to thermal stress, which could lead to a significant decline in their populations if the effects of the climate change continue to intensify.
Relationship between global warming and biodiversity reduction
Rising temperatures not only affect the color of butterflies and dragonflies, but also their behavior and life cycle. For example, some species of dragonflies have shown changes in their patterns of reproduction and its competitiveness in pairs. A recent study claims that male dragonflies are losing their bright colors in regions where the heat has increased dramatically, negatively affecting their ability to attract mates. This could create a domino effect, affecting the genetic diversity and compromising the long-term viability of these populations.
The reduction in butterfly and dragonfly diversity could have significant consequences for the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in which they play important roles such as pollinators y pest controllers.
Efforts to predict and mitigate the effects of climate change
The study by the University of Marburg also opens a window to predict the future impacts of climate change on insect species. The results suggest that over time we could see a noticeable change in the geographical distribution butterfly and dragonfly species. For example, dark-colored species are likely to move to cooler regions or seek out shaded habitats where they can keep their temperatures under control.
The authors of the study suggest that conservation efforts that focus exclusively on current habitat preferences may not be sufficient if they do not take into account the ecophysiological changes that these species are experiencing. In this regard, they propose the creation of protected microclimates within natural ecosystems to support species in their adaptation process. climate change.
What can be learned from tropical butterflies?
A recent study from the University of Cambridge revealed that tropical butterflies are also being severely affected by climate change, especially those with smaller wings and paler colours. These species are less able to withstand extreme temperatures due to their limited ability to thermal tolerance.
These butterflies, which depend on the heat of the sun for energy, must resort to various survival strategies. thermoregulation to maintain a stable body temperature. Some of the most affected species are those that, due to their morphology, cannot find shelter from the heat and suffer higher mortality in extreme weather events.
With rising temperatures, scientists foresee a very real threat to many species of tropical butterflies and dragonflies, especially in areas where the deforestation has eliminated much of the cold microclimates that served as refuge.
Lessons learned from how tropical species cope with climate change They may be useful in better understanding how European species might react to similar changes in climate.
Both butterflies and dragonflies are undergoing significant changes in response to global warming, both in their geographic distribution and physical coloration. Conservation efforts will need to take these changes into account to ensure the survival of these species in an increasingly unpredictable climate.