Dragonfly Environmental factors and Wing Hue
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of Idaho have discovered a fascinating link between dragonfly ornamentation and temperatures. The study, titled "Sex-specific ornament evolution is a consistent feature of climatic adaptation across space and time in dragonflies", was led by Luke J. Harmon and his team.
The research, which examines ornamentation and climate adaptation in 319 dragonfly species, reveals that climate significantly affects the wing ornaments of male dragonflies. Male dragonflies in the coolest parts of North America have evolved larger and darker melanin wing patches than their counterparts in the warmest regions of the continent. This phenomenon is thought to help increase their body temperatures by more than 2 °C above ambient temperatures, providing a benefit in cool climates.
However, the study found that climate did not significantly affect wing ornaments of female dragonflies. This suggests that mating-related traits of male, but not female, dragonflies consistently evolve to adapt to local climates.
The findings are particularly relevant in the context of climate change. Climate-warming projections suggest that male dragonflies will likely evolve even smaller melanin wing patches by 2070 as global warming increases. During the warmest years between 2005 and 2019, male dragonflies exhibited the smallest melanin wing patches.
Another study, conducted by Michael P. Moore and colleagues, supports these findings. The study titled "Sex-specific ornament evolution is a consistent feature of climatic adaptation across space and time in dragonflies" further underscores the importance of understanding the role of ornamentation in dragonfly adaptation to climate change.
For media inquiries regarding the study, Michael P. Moore, from the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, can be reached via email. The study serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which species adapt to their environments and the potential consequences of climate change on these adaptations.
