Painted ladies are the most widespread butterflies, embarking on journeys spanning multiple generations. Painted lady butterflies are world travelers. The ones we encounter in Europe fly from Africa to Sweden, ultimately returning to areas north and south of the Sahara. But what determines whether some butterflies travel long distances while others travel short distances?
It is a warm summer day in June. A group of scientists with sunhats and nets is hiking along a trail in the Catalan mountains. They meticulously search for painted ladies—vibrant orange butterflies with an intricate black-and-white pattern. Capturing painted ladies is not an easy task; they are strong, determined flyers, a fact that evolutionary biologist Daria Shipilina also had to acknowledge.
Previously working with plants and birds, the scientist tries to catch one of the beautiful butterflies in the air. Her net sways in all directions, but not where it needs to go. Finally, a few butterflies are taking a nectar break, giving Shipilina a long-awaited chance. A great moment for the biologist and an even greater testament to the resilience and endurance of these incredible butterflies.
Each year, painted ladies embark on a huge migratory journey from the northwest of Africa all the way up to Sweden and back to find the perfect environmental conditions that ensure their survival and reproduction. A group of scientists, alongside citizen science projects, has been trying to decode the butterfly travel map. A recent interdisciplinary publication provides new insights. But what makes them particularly special is their incredible long-distance migrations.
These butterflies go on a yearly 10, km journey between Africa and Europe. They do so through a succession of generations, looking for the best breeding conditions for their offspring. The colorful insects begin their grand voyage in spring, starting from Northwest Africa and flying over the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Subsequent generations then make their way to Great Britain, even reaching the Arctic tundra of Sweden to spend the summer.
