Dynamic Mechanical Oscillations During Metamorphosis Of The Monarch Butterfly

The beating of the heart is fundamental during insect metamorphosis but it is unclear how morphological changes affect its mechanical dynamics.


Employing a novel ultra-sensitive detection approach, Optical Beam Deflection (OBD), we measured the heartbeat of the Monarch pupa during metamorphosis and compared it to structural changes observed through in-vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).


We observed distinct heartbeats occurring in regular bursts of activity separated by periods of quiescence. Distinct stages of metamorphosis were characterized by changes in the butterfly heartbeat.


MRI revealed that the heart remained functionally intact throughout metamorphosis until the emergence of the adult Monarch butterfly


Journal of the Royal Society Interface


Journal of the Royal Society Interface is the Society's cross-disciplinary publication promoting research at the interface between the physical and life sciences. It offers rapidity, visibility and high-quality peer review and is ranked fifth in JCR's multidisciplinary category. The journal also incorporates Interface Focus, a peer-reviewed, themed supplement, each issue of which concentrates on a specific cross-disciplinary subject.


Journal of the Royal Society Interface