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A trans-oceanic flight of over 4,200 km by painted lady butterflies

Biology

A trans-oceanic flight of over 4,200 km by painted lady butterflies

T. Suchan, C. P. Bataille, et al.

This groundbreaking study reveals an astonishing journey of Vanessa cardui butterflies crossing over 4200 km from West Africa to South America, lasting just 5-8 days. With innovative methods like wind trajectory modeling and ecological niche modeling, the research by Tomasz Suchan, Clément P. Bataille, Megan S. Reich, Eric Toro-Delgado, Roger Vila, Naomi E. Pierce, and Gerard Talavera uncovers the potential for these insects to travel even farther, challenging our understanding of transoceanic insect dispersal.

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Abstract
This paper reports a transatlantic crossing by Vanessa cardui butterflies spanning at least 4200 km, from West Africa to South America (French Guiana), lasting 5-8 days. Using an integrative approach (coastal field surveys, wind trajectory modeling, emission trading, ecological niche modeling, and multi-source geolocation of natal origins), the study infers a likely natal origin in Western Europe, potentially extending the journey to 7000 km. The findings suggest underestimation of transoceanic dispersal in insects and highlight the importance of aerial highways.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jun 25, 2024
Authors
Tomasz Suchan, Clément P. Bataille, Megan S. Reich, Eric Toro-Delgado, Roger Vila, Naomi E. Pierce, Gerard Talavera
Tags
Vanessa cardui
butterfly migration
transatlantic crossing
ecological niche modeling
wind trajectory

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