Climate change is driving the swift fox butterfly to new regions!

Climate change is driving the swift fox butterfly to new regions!

In a recent study published in the journal PNAS, researchers from the University of Bremen and the University of Stockholm have found interesting findings about the spread of the common wall fox butterfly (Lasiommata megara) gained in the context of climate change. These animals are increasingly spreading into regions that were previously considered too cold. Evolutionary biologist Matthew Nielsen and his team examined both the evolutionary adaptations and the challenges that cold winters pose to further expansion.

The study shows that rapid evolutionary adaptations, such as accelerated growth and adjustment of hibernation times, support the butterfly's spread. However, these adaptations come up against natural limits, especially in extremely cold winters. In field experiments in Sweden, butterflies from southern Sweden were released in various regions, including Skåne, Södermanland and Dalarna, to study their survival and adaptation mechanisms.

The role of cold winters

A key finding of the research is that almost no caterpillars survived once they were placed north of their current ranges. Particularly high winter mortality was found beyond the distribution limit. This observation suggests that natural selection may already be exploiting some evolutionary potential for better cold adaptation through harsh winter conditions. Although evolutionary changes are comparable to the speed of climate change, they do not affect all traits critical for survival.

The researchers also found that all butterflies went into hibernation at the right time, suggesting genetic stability or plasticity. What was striking was that butterflies from the north grew faster, indicating an adaptation to shorter summers. These factors are crucial to better predict future changes in species distributions.

Ecological limits and future developments

The study concludes that milder winters are necessary for the wall fox butterfly to spread further. In order to better understand the ecological limits and modifiable characteristics of the species, intensive research in this area is required. Future studies could focus on the functional relationship between ecological differences and their genomic basis.

In addition to the studies of the wall fox butterfly, there is a broader field of research examining genomic diversity and evolutionary adaptations in different climates. In this context, closely related species pairs, such as land and freshwater snails as well as non-biting mosquitoes, are examined in order to gain a deeper understanding of the adaptation mechanisms to climatic changes. In its studies, the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research attaches particular importance to the integration of ecological and evolutionary experiments with genomic approaches in order to research the strategically important foundations of biodiversity.

These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and the role evolutionary mechanisms play in this process. The research projects not only serve basic research, but also practical applications in order to better deal with the challenges posed by climate change.

For more information about the study results, please visit the University of Bremen and IDW Online as well as Senckenberg.