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Mutant Butterflies Found Near Tsunami-Damaged Fukushima Nuclear Plant

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By Sara Tan Aug 15, 2012

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The nuclear-power-plant disaster that devastated the Fukushima region in March of last year had a major impact, not just on the people around it, but also the creatures living nearby. According to TG Daily, scientists have reported finding mutated butterflies near the power plant.
AP Photo

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In May 2011, two months after the Fukushima disaster, researchers took samples from more than 100 pale grass blue butterflies in the area.
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Findings showed that 12 percent of the butterflies had some kind of mutation.
Shyamal/Wikimedia

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The offspring showed a mutation rate of 18 percent. If and when an "infected" butterfly mated with a healthy one, the rate jumped to 34 percent.
Dr. Raju Kasambe/Wikimedia

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"Together, the present study indicates that the pale grass blue butterfly is probably one of the best indicator species for radionuclide contamination in Japan," researchers reported.
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Next: See More Mutant Animals

They may be mutated, but these insects are still extremely fascinating and beautiful creatures to admire.

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jojhutton

I really had this whole Scooby Doo scenario in mind when I read the title of the link.

August 16 2012 at 12:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply