Painted lady butterflies

Painted lady butterflies: A recent study published in PNAS Nexus explores the migration patterns of Painted Lady Butterflies (Vanessa cardui), revealing that their migratory distances are influenced by environmental conditions rather than genetic differences.

• About Painted Lady Butterflies: Found on every continent except Antarctica and South America.

o Capable of thriving in diverse climates, from temperate grasslands to deserts.

o Undertakes one of the longest insect migrations, covering up to 15,000 km in a single migratory cycle.

o Follows a multi-generational migration cycle, with each cycle spanning 8 to 10 generations.

o Unlike birds, no single butterfly completes the full migration; migration is a "family business."

• Study Findings: Short- and long-distance migrants among Painted Ladies do not exhibit significant genetic differences.

o Migration distance is influenced by environmental factors rather than genetic makeup.

o Butterflies form a single interbreeding population rather than distinct genetic groups.

• Migration Pattern: In Spring, butterflies migrate north from the Sahara Desert across the Mediterranean into Southern Europe for breeding.

o Late Summer & Autumn: Offspring migrate south across Spain and Italy back to North Africa. They possess strong thoracic muscles, aiding in high-speed, long-distance flights.