We performed whole-genome resequencing on our painted ladies. My co-lead author, Daria Shipilina, led the genomic analysis, with input from Venkat Talla, Niclas Backström, Gerard Talavera, and me. We found no genetic differentiation or population structure associated with migration distance

By applying hydrogen and strontium isotope geolocation, Clement Bataille and I confirmed distinct differences in migration distance – butterflies flew either long distances to sub-Saharan Africa – one over 4,000 km! - or short distances to the Mediterranean

First, Farid Bahleman and Khadim Kébé collected painted ladies south of the Sahara in the autumn. At the same time, Gerard Talavera and I collected painted ladies from the circum-Mediterranean region

Every year, painted lady butterflies migrate between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa over a migratory cycle composed of 8 – 10 generations of butterflies. However, isotopes, pollen, monitoring data, and ecological niche modelling were all pointing to an interesting observation…

The importance of observing any species you’re studying in its natural environment cannot be overstated. So grateful to have spent some time with the Bogong moth (and awesome new friends and colleagues) this month!

We also found a leapfrog migration pattern: butterflies from northern Europe reached West Africa early in the season, leapfrogging over individuals migrating shorter distances to Mediterranean overwintering sites 🐸 (9/10)

Isotopes revealed moderate migratory connectivity: painted ladies from western Europe migrate to West Africa, while those from the eastern Mediterranean travel to East Africa (8/10)

We applied isotope-based geographic assignment to 118 painted ladies, captured north of the Sahara in the spring and south of the Sahara in the autumn (5/10)

Insect wings retain isotopic values from their larval environment. By analyzing isotopes like hydrogen and strontium in wings and comparing them to “isoscapes”, we can estimate a butterfly's natal origin 🍼 (4/10)

While many insects likely migrate across the Sahara, painted ladies are the only species with empirical evidence of these epic journeys. One key tool that is used? Isotopes! 🧪 (3/10)

Painted ladies in Africa/Europe complete an annual migratory cycle over 8-10 generations. Understanding this complex cycle is vital for predicting changes to migratory patterns and the delivery of ecosystem services. (2/10)