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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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~3 min • Beginner • English
Abstract
The extent of aerial flows of insects circulating around the planet and their impact on ecosystems and biogeography remain enigmatic because of methodological challenges. Here we report a transatlantic crossing by Vanessa cardui butterflies spanning at least 4200 km, from West Africa to South America (French Guiana) and lasting between 5 and 8 days. Even more, we infer a likely natal origin for these individuals in Western Europe, and the journey Europe-Africa-South America could expand to 7000 km or more. This discovery was possible through an integrative approach, including coastal field surveys, wind trajectory modelling, emission trading, ecological niche modelling, and multi-source geolocation of natal origins. The findings suggest that we may be underestimating transoceanic dispersal in insects and highlight the importance of aerial highways connecting continents by trade winds.
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
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49079-2
Tags
Vanessa cardui
butterfly migration
transatlantic crossing
ecological niche modeling
wind trajectory

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