Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects
It occurs when two materials come into contact and then separate, transferring electrons from one to the other
The object that loses electrons becomes positively charged, and the object that gains electrons becomes negatively charged.
Butterflies and moths accumulate significant static electricity during flight due to friction with the air
The static charge generated is strong enough to attract pollen grains from flowers across distances of several millimeters or centimeters without physical contact.
This electrostatic attraction significantly increases the efficiency and effectiveness of butterflies and moths as pollinators
The amount of static electricity varies among different butterfly and moth species
These variations are linked to ecological factors such as flower visitation, habitat (tropical vs. non-tropical), and diurnal or nocturnal flight patterns.
The findings suggest that the ability to accumulate static electricity is an adaptive trait influenced by natural selection
All studied species exhibited electrostatic charging, indicating it's a common characteristic among Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)
Despite slower wingbeat frequency compared to other insects, butterflies and moths can accumulate substantial static charges
The measured electrostatic charges are strong enough to facilitate pollen attraction without contact
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