Which Came First, Butterflies or Flowering Plants?

Butterflies and moths have a tongue-like proboscis that helps them drink nectar from floral tubes, but it now appears that the proboscis didn’t specifically evolve for that purpose. In fact, a study published in January 2018 in the journal Science Advances asserts that these graceful flyers had proboscises about 70 million years before flowers came into existence. The researchers suggested that proboscis evolution probably occurred to help butterflies and moths slurp up pollination drops produced by gymnosperms, the most widespread group of plants at that time.

In a world without flowers:

• The researchers looked at the fossilized remains of the tiny scales that covered the bodies of butterflies and moths in the late Triassic and early Jurassic periods.
• Gymnosperms are flowerless, seed-producing plants -- such as cycads -- that produce sugary droplets that insects use as a high-energy nutritional source.
• The late Triassic period on Earth was hot and arid, and the insects also may have developed proboscises as an "efficient technique to replenish lost moisture," according to the researchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which evolved first, butterflies or flowering plants?

Flowering plants, or angiosperms, appeared first, emerging during the Cretaceous period, about 130 million years ago. Butterflies evolved much later; the earliest known butterfly fossils date back to around 56 million years ago, indicating that flowering plants had a significant head start in the evolutionary timeline.

How did the evolution of flowering plants affect butterflies?

The evolution of flowering plants had a profound impact on butterflies, providing them with new ecological niches and food sources. This co-evolutionary relationship led to the diversification of both groups, with butterflies developing specialized feeding structures like the proboscis to extract nectar, and plants evolving varied colors and shapes to attract these pollinators.

Are there butterflies that do not rely on flowering plants?

Yes, not all butterflies rely on flowering plants. Some species have caterpillars that feed on non-flowering plants like ferns or mosses. Adult butterflies of these species may feed on alternative sources like tree sap, rotting fruit, or animal dung for nutrients instead of nectar from flowers.

What evidence supports the idea that flowering plants came before butterflies?

Evidence supporting the precedence of flowering plants over butterflies comes from the fossil record. The oldest known fossils of flowering plants date back to about 130 million years ago, while the oldest butterfly fossils are only about 56 million years old. This suggests a clear chronological order in their appearance on Earth.

How did butterflies adapt to the presence of flowering plants?

Butterflies adapted to the presence of flowering plants through evolutionary changes that allowed them to effectively exploit these new resources. They developed longer and more coiled proboscises to access nectar, and their vision adapted to perceive a wider range of colors, enabling them to locate flowers more efficiently.

What role do butterflies play in the ecosystem of flowering plants?

Butterflies play a crucial role in the ecosystem of flowering plants as pollinators. As they move from flower to flower to feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen, facilitating the reproductive process of plants. This symbiotic relationship enhances biodiversity and helps maintain the health of ecosystems.