New research shows that male dragonflies lose the bling wings they used to attract females in hotter climates.Scientists are now calling for more research to determine if this disparate evolution could lead to females not being able to recognize males of their species over time.Many dragonflies have black ornamental patterns on their wings that help them find their mates. The journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has published new research that shows male dragonflies are losing their bling in hotter areas. However, female dragonflies don't seem to be doing the same.These observations shed light on the adaptation of different organisms to their environment. They also highlight the possibility that a mating-related trait could have other implications than mating. However, they raise questions about how the appearance and mating patterns of dragonflies will change with increasing temperatures over time.The big question in biology is how animals adapt to different climates influences the diversity of traits within species. Michael Moore, an evolutionary biologist, was involved in the research. This mating-related trait is crucial for a species' ability to survive in different regions of North America, depending on its climate.Different amounts of black pigments are used by dragonflies to attract and court potential romantic partners, scare away rivals, and create patterns on their wings. This dark wing pigmentation can cause a rise in the body temperature of dragonflies by as much as 2C. It can also lead to damage to their wing tissue and reduced fighting ability.The scientists used a more than 300-strong database of dragonfly species to cross-reference the wing colours of nearly 3,000 different dragonflies with information about their climate and location. They then compared the differences in the colour of the wings between different species of dragonflies based on whether they were born into hotter or colder climates.The researchers found that male dragonflies almost always respond to warmer temperatures with less black wing decoration.Moore says that it seems to be a consistent way that dragonflies adapt in different climates. It's really amazing because it is one of the most consistent evolutionary responses to any type of environment for any kind mating-related trait in any animal.According to Kasey FowlerFinn, an associate professor at Saint Louis University's biology department, sexually selected traits are often thought to aid in reproductive success. However, evidence suggests they may actually be crucial in adapting for climate emergencies.Climate heating projections are used to show that the black wing decoration of dragonflies would shrink as the planet heats. Moore believes that this could be an effective way for them to adapt and it is plausible that they will continue to evolve in this manner.The female dragonfly dragonflies aren't reacting to climate changes the same way as their male counterparts and they don't lose their black decorations when it gets warmer. Moore said that although the researchers don't know the reasons for the differences in how males and women react to climate changes, it does remind scientists that they shouldn't assume that both genders will adapt to climate emergencies the same way. It also raises questions about how the dragonfly breeding patterns will change as climate change.The scientists behind the study suggest that it is possible for females to lose their ability to recognize males from their species.Moore states that the research is only scratching the surface. Moore said that the Earth will look very different in 100 years. Scientists need to continue to study how organisms respond to change to be able to better manage these people as the world changes.
