Unexplainable Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: The Man Who Walked Butterflies on a Leash
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host/Author: Vox
Hosts: Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meredith Hoddinott

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Unexplainable, hosted by Bird Fingerton and featuring biodiversity reporter Benji Jones, listeners are introduced to an intriguing study that bridges the gap between physics and entomology. The episode delves into the unconventional research conducted by sensory ecologist Sam England, who explores the hidden electrostatic interactions within the insect world.

Meet Sam England: The Sensory Ecologist

Benji Jones begins by introducing Sam England, a sensory ecologist with a unique approach to studying insects. Sam's background in physics equips him with the tools to investigate how insects perceive their environment beyond human capabilities.

Benji Jones [01:18]: "I want to tell you about this guy I came across who has tied little leashes to butterflies and moths... like a dude with a real-life kite on the other end is walking them around a room."

Sam's innovative methods involve attaching tiny fishing line leashes to butterflies and moths to study their static electrical charges—a concept that initially seems odd but holds significant scientific promise.

Research Methods: Walking Butterflies on a Leash

To understand whether butterflies and moths carry electrical charges that influence pollination, Sam developed a bespoke experimental setup. The core of his method involves:

1. Charging the Insects: Sam believed that the friction of insect wings against the air generates static electricity, similar to scuffing a balloon on hair.
2. Measuring the Charge: Using a device called a pico ammeter, Sam measures the electrical charge as insects pass through a metal loop.
3. Binding the Insects: For uncooperative butterflies and moths, Sam tied tiny lassos made from fishing line around their abdomens, allowing him to guide them through the measurement loop without causing harm.

Sam England [05:27]: "There's not really any kind of, like, prepackaged equipment that you can just buy... so a lot of our stuff had to be built bespokely."

This meticulous process enables Sam to quantify the subtle charges carried by these vital pollinators.

Discoveries: Positive Charges and Pollination Dynamics

After extensive experimentation, Sam discovered that butterflies and moths carry, on average, a slight positive charge. While these charges are not strong enough to cause noticeable electric shocks, they are sufficient to influence pollen movement.

Benji Jones [15:39]: "The short answer is that they on average were positively charged... very, very subtle positive charges."

This finding suggests that electrostatic forces play a role in pollination, allowing pollen to be attracted and transported more efficiently between flowers. Even brief interactions, such as hovering near a flower, can result in pollen transfer without direct contact.

Sam England [16:21]: "Our study shows that it's not necessary [for pollen to make contact]. Even animals that only very briefly hover by a flower may still be able to attract pollen onto their bodies."

Broader Implications: Electrostatic Interactions in Insects

Sam's research opens the door to understanding a myriad of electrostatic interactions in the insect world:

1. Bees Sensing Visited Flowers: Bees can detect changes in a flower's charge, indicating prior visitation by other bees, which influences their foraging behavior.

   Benji Jones [18:40]: "Bees, for example, can sense if a flower has been visited by another bee before because the charge has changed."

2. Caterpillars Detecting Predators: Some caterpillars can sense the electrostatic charge of approaching wasps, triggering defensive behaviors even without visual or olfactory cues.

   Sam England [19:46]: "He recreated the electrostatic charge of a predatory wasp, and the caterpillar responded as if there was a real wasp there."

These discoveries highlight an intricate, invisible layer of communication and interaction within ecosystems that was previously unrecognized.

Human Impact: Disrupting the Electrostatic Ecology

While these electrostatic interactions are fascinating, Sam and the hosts discuss the potential negative impacts of human activities:

• Introduction of Artificial Charges: Human infrastructure, such as power lines and electrical appliances, introduces additional static electricity into the environment, potentially disrupting these natural interactions.

• Synthetic Materials: Materials like synthetic fibers in clothing and microplastics carry higher static charges compared to natural materials, altering the electrostatic landscape that insects rely on.

Sam England [22:05]: "We may have been unknowingly introducing another kind of environmental pollutant into the natural ecology of these animals."

This raises concerns about the unintended consequences of modern technology and materials on pollinator behavior and overall ecosystem health.

Conclusion: The Importance of Unveiling Hidden Ecologies

The episode underscores the significance of understanding the full spectrum of sensory interactions in the natural world. Sam England's pioneering work demonstrates that there are still numerous aspects of ecology waiting to be uncovered, many of which may be crucial for the sustainability of ecosystems.

Benji Jones [20:50]: "We are only able to observe a sliver of the reality that we live in, and there's all this other stuff going on."

As research continues, it is imperative to consider how human-induced changes may be impacting these hidden ecological processes, emphasizing the need for innovative and creative scientific approaches.

Final Thoughts

"The Man Who Walked Butterflies on a Leash" offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the uncharted territories of insect sensory ecology. Through inventive experimentation and a willingness to explore unconventional hypotheses, Sam England and the Unexplainable team shed light on the subtle yet profound ways in which electricity shapes the natural interactions that sustain our environment.

For more intriguing explorations into the unknown, listen to Unexplainable on your preferred podcast platform every Monday and Wednesday.