News Summary

• The butterflies belong to the Heliconius tribe, a group found across the rainforests of Central and South America.
• Researchers say these insects rank among the longest-lived butterflies ever documented and could become an important model for studying the biology of longevity.
• Some species survive about three times longer than their closest relatives on average, with certain individuals living for nearly a year.
• At least one species,Heliconius hecale, appeared to show little or no measurable physical decline as it aged, researchers say.