The discovery of the new Alaskan butterfly could be a sign of climate change. The new butterfly has antifreeze in its bloodstream.
After almost three decades, researchers have finally discovered a new species of Alaskan butterfly. It is called the Oeneis Tanana or the Tanana Arctic.
Butterflies are known for its quick response when it comes to climate change and this insect might be able to help researchers determine what is happening in the Arctic right now, according to Utah People's Post. This particular butterfly has been found in the aspen and spruce forests in the Tanana-Yukon River Basin.
Dr. Andrew Warren, a butterfly expert at the University of Florida in Gainesville, explained that this Alaskan butterfly can act as a warning signal for everyone. If these insects suddenly fly out or disappear from the Tanana River valley, the researchers will know that there is something happening with the Arctic's climate.
Dr. Warren thinks that the Tanana Artic butterflies are an unusual hybrid between two species. He speculated that the two species could be the White-veined Arctic and the Chryxus Arctic. The Tanana Arctic butterfly is the first species discovered in Alaska's area in the last 28 years.
Though Warren believes that it is distinct from both species, this particular butterfly shares many features from them, especially the Chryxus Arctic or the Brown Arctic, Motherboard reported. One of the many same features the Tanana Arctic butterfly shares from the Brown Arctic is its sepia-toned wings.
Another feature of the Alaskan butterfly is the ability to make antifreeze-like substances in its bloodstream. This feature is to protect itself from the cold temperatures of Alaska.
Warren said in a statement that they are still studying the sequence of the butterfly's genome. When they get results, they will be able to tell whether it has any special traits that helped the butterfly survive the cold and if it is really a hybrid.
Warren discussed that there are no new butterfly discoveries in the US because the fauna is so well known. The western US has a complex geography, he added, so surprises could happen sometimes.
Watch the Alaskan butterfly reveal video below: