Electrostatic pollination by butterflies and moths

Abstract

Overview

Animals, most notably insects, naturally accumulate electrostatic charges which interact with their environment. This study investigates how these charges facilitate pollen transfer in butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera).

Findings

• Butterflies and moths accumulate electrostatic charge during flight.
• Finite element analysis showed that the electrostatic charge creates an electric field strong enough to cause contactless pollen transfer.
• Phylogenetic variations in the electrostatic charge across different species and families in Lepidoptera are significant, correlating with morphological, biogeographical, and ecological differences.

Conclusion

The study reveals that electrostatic charging, which differs among clades, may be an evolutionary adaptation affecting pollination, predation, and parasitism rates. Thus, electrostatic charging could be a trait influenced by evolutionary processes.