4200 Km transatlantic flight of the Painted Lady butterfly mapped by the researchers because in October 2013, Gerard Talavera, a researcher from the Botanical Institute of Barcelona at CSIC, made a remarkable discovery of Painted Lady Butterflies on the Atlantic beaches of French Guiana— a species not commonly found in South America. This unexpected sighting led to an international study to trace the origin of these butterflies.
| Date | June 25, 2024 |
| Source | University of Ottawa |
| Summary | Non-stop journey of Painted Lady butterfly’s about 4,200 km transatlantic flight mapped by researchers |
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How Transatlantic Flight of The Painted Lady Butterfly Mapped
- First, the research team reconstructed wind trajectories for the period leading up to the arrival of these butterflies in October 2013. They discovered exceptionally favorable wind conditions that could support a transatlantic crossing from western Africa, suggesting that these butterflies might have flown across the entire ocean.
- By sequencing the genomes of these butterflies and comparing them to global populations, the researchers found a closer genetic relatedness to African and European populations. This finding ruled out the possibility of the butterflies originating from North America, supporting the hypothesis of an oceanic journey.
- The researchers used an innovative combination of next-generation molecular techniques. They sequenced the DNA of pollen grains carried by the butterflies, identifying two plant species that only grow in tropical Africa. This indicated that the butterflies had fed on African flowers before their transatlantic journey.
- Additionally, they analyzed hydrogen and strontium isotopes in the butterflies’ wings, which act as a “fingerprint” of their region of origin. By combining isotope data with a model of habitat suitability for larval growth, they identified potential natal origins in western Europe, including France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or Portugal.
- The butterflies could only complete this flight by alternating between energy-intensive active flight and wind-assisted gliding. Without the wind, the butterflies could have flown a maximum of 780 km before depleting their energy reserves.
- The researchers highlighted the Saharan air layer as a significant aerial route for dispersion. These wind currents, which transport large amounts of Saharan dust from Africa to America and fertilize the Amazon, are now shown to be capable of carrying living organisms as well.
- This discovery suggests that natural aerial corridors connecting continents may exist, potentially facilitating the dispersal of species on a much larger scale than previously imagined.
Watch The Painted Lady Butterfly Here
FAQ:
1: What is a Painted Lady Butterfly?
The Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) is a colorful and widespread butterfly species known for its striking orange, black, and white wing patterns. It is commonly found across various continents, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
2: What do Painted Lady Butterflies eat?
Adult Painted Lady Butterflies primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistles, asters, and sunflowers. Caterpillars (larvae) feed on host plants such as thistles, mallows, and hollyhocks.
3: Do Painted Lady Butterflies migrate?
Yes, Painted Lady Butterflies are known for their long-distance migrations. They travel thousands of kilometers between breeding and feeding grounds, particularly in regions where seasonal changes affect food availability.
4: How long do Painted Lady Butterflies live?
The lifespan of a Painted Lady Butterfly varies. Adults typically live for about two to four weeks, although this can be influenced by environmental conditions and availability of food sources.