Laurie Jackson takes a look at how insects show signs of old age
The process of ageing is associated with physical and behavioural changes in many species, and insects are not immune to this.
What are the signs of old age in insects?
Obvious wear and tear such as missing scales on butterflies and moths, bald patches on bees, and torn, fraying wings can reflect an individual’s level of activity and lifestyle, but there are also physiological changes taking place as time passes.
The flight muscles of flies and bees can deteriorate with age, for instance, reducing the frequency of wingbeats and affecting the insects’ ability to fly for sustained periods.
Behaviour can also have an effect on ageing, particularly in species that engage in energetically demanding activities. More rapid physical declines are seen in territorial dragonflies (who chase, bite and barge their rivals) than their non-territorial peers, while field crickets that put more energy into reproduction in their youth call less and are more likely to lose fights with competitors.
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