Butterfly genomes have barely changed for 250m years, study reveals

Analysis gives clues as to why butterflies and moths have been resilient through dramatic changes on Earth - and could help with future conservation

The genomes of butterflies and moths have remained largely unchanged for more than 250m years despite their enormous species diversity, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

In the face of rapid environmental changes in the 21st century, the researchers said the analysis gives clues as to how Lepidoptera - the order of winged insects that contains butterflies and moths - have been so resilient throughout dramatic changes on Earth.