Lepidoptera migration

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Monarch butterfly tagged to track its migration Tagged Monarch Butterfly - Flickr - treegrow.jpg
Monarch butterfly tagged to track its migration
Danaus plexippus migration map in North America Danaus plexippus migration map in North America-fr.gif
Danaus plexippus migration map in North America
Tirumala septentrionis migrate in millions between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats in India. DarkBlueTigersCongregation.jpg
Tirumala septentrionis migrate in millions between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats in India.
Catopsilia pomona migrate regularly in South India and Himalayas. EmigrantsMudpuddling.jpg
Catopsilia pomona migrate regularly in South India and Himalayas.

Many populations of Lepidoptera (butterflies or moths) migrate, sometimes long distances, to and from areas which are only suitable for part of the year. Lepidopterans migrate on all continents except Antarctica, including from or within subtropical and tropical areas. By migrating, these species can avoid unfavorable circumstances, including weather, food shortage, or over-population. In some lepidopteran species, all individuals migrate; in others, only some migrate.

Contents

The best-known lepidopteran migration is that of the eastern population of the monarch butterfly which migrates from southern Canada to wintering sites in central Mexico. In late winter/early spring, the adult monarchs leave the Transvolcanic mountain range in Mexico for a more northern climate. Mating occurs and the females begin seeking out milkweed to lay their eggs, usually first in northern Mexico and southern Texas. The caterpillars hatch and develop into adults that move north, where more offspring can go as far as central Canada until next migratory cycle.

The Danaids in South India are prominent migrants, between the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats.[ citation needed ] [1] Three species will be involved in this, namely Tirumala septentrionis , Euploea core , and Euploea sylvester . Sometimes they are joined by lemon pansy ( Junonia lemonias ), common emigrant ( Catopsilia pomona ), tawny coster ( Acraea terpsicore ) and blue tiger ( Tirumala limniace ).

Definition

Migration in Lepidoptera means a regular, predictable movement of a population from one place to another, determined by the seasons. [2] There is no unambiguous definition of migratory butterfly or migratory moth, and this also applies to proposals to divide them into classes. [3] Migration means different things to behavioral scientists and ecologists. The former emphasize the act of moving whereas the latter discriminate between whether the movement has been ecologically significant or not. Migration may be viewed as "a behavioural process with ecological consequences". [2]

Migration in Lepidoptera takes place in two of the three modes of migration identified by Johnson (Johnson, 1969). In the first mode (also Johnson's first), the Lepidoptera move in one direction in their short life-span and do not return. An example is the pierid butterfly, Ascia monuste , which breeds in Florida but sometimes migrates along the coast up to 160 kilometers to breed in more suitable areas. [2]

In the second mode (Johnson's third), migration takes place to a place of hibernation or aestivation where they undergo diapause and the same generation survives to return. The classic example is that of the nymphalid monarch butterfly (Danuas plexippus). [2]

Adventive

Species that are recorded in unexpected areas (adventive species) are not considered to be migratory species, because these did not leave their habitat on their own strength. Examples are species that are imported as egg or caterpillar alongside of their host plants or individuals that were reared by a collector but have escaped. An example of an introduced species is Galleria mellonella , which is found all over the world, because it is reared as food for captive birds and reptiles. At times it is difficult to decide if a species is adventive or migratory. Migratory species like Chrysodeixis chalcites and Helicoverpa armigera would be able to reach western Europe on their own, but are also common in greenhouses.

Seasonal migration

Australian species Agrotis infusa spends the summer as an imago in the Australian Alps, and is sometimes found in buildings in large numbers. Bogong-moths.jpg
Australian species Agrotis infusa spends the summer as an imago in the Australian Alps, and is sometimes found in buildings in large numbers.

Lepidoptera migration is often seasonal. With species of which all individuals migrate, the population moves between areas in the summer and winter season or the dry and wet season.

For species of which only part of the population migrates, seasonal migration is hard to determine. They can maintain themselves in part of their habitat but also reach areas where they cannot establish a permanent population. They only live there in the season that is most favorable for the species. Some of the species have the habit of returning to their permanent residence at the end of the season.

Difference with bird migration

An important difference with bird migration is that an individual butterfly or moth usually migrates in one direction, while birds migrate back and forth multiple times within their lifespan. This is due to the short lifespan as an imago. Amazingly the monarch receives no navigation instruction for the migration from their parents, unlike birds. [4] [5] Species that migrate back and forth, usually do so in different generations. There are however, some exceptions:

  • The famous migration of the monarch butterfly in North America. This species migrates back and forth in one generation, though it completes only part of the journey in both directions in that generation. No individual completes the entire journey which is spread over a number of generations. The imago of the last summer generation is born in North America, migrates to Mexico, Florida, or California and stays there for the winter. After the winter it migrates back to the north to reproduce. In a couple of generations, the monarch migrates north to Canada.
  • The migration of the bogong moth in Australia. This species migrates from south-eastern Australia to the Australian Alps in the summer to avoid the heat. After the summer it returns to reproduce. [6]

Flight behaviour

The small diamondback moth is a migratory species which can be found at altitudes of a 100 meters. It is capable of covering over 3,000 kilometers. Plutella.xylostella.7383.jpg
The small diamondback moth is a migratory species which can be found at altitudes of a 100 meters. It is capable of covering over 3,000 kilometers.

Migratory Lepidoptera are, in most cases, excellent flyers. Species like Vanessa atalanta are capable of managing a fierce headwind. In case of headwind, they usually fly low and are more goal-oriented. [7] During migration, some species can be found at high altitudes, ranging to up to two kilometers. [8] [9] This is especially noteworthy for day-flying species like Vanessa atalanta , since the temperatures on these altitudes are low and day-flying species depend on the outside temperature to stay warm. It is thought that Vanessa atalanta produces enough body warmth during flight since it has also been recorded migrating at night.

In the case of transcontinental migration where distances are large, the flying speed of the butterfly (of the order of 3 metres per second or less) is inadequate for timely completion of journey. The migration is carried out by relying on heavy winds; a persistent wind speed of 10 metres per second being able to provide a displacement of 300 to 400 kilometers in a single day. [10] For example, the painted lady ( Vanessa cardui ) migrates from Africa to Spain aided by tail winds. [11]

That the migratory species are good flyers, is not the same as saying they are robust flyers. The small diamondback moth is also a migratory species that migrates 3,000 kilometers and can be found up to altitudes of 100 meters or more. [12] [13]

Vanessa cardui migration between North Africa and Europe Vanessa cardui migration in Europe-blank map.svg
Vanessa cardui migration between North Africa and Europe

To be able to migrate over long distances, species must be able to navigate. There are several ways they do this.

Landscape: Lepidoptera use coastal lines, mountains, but also roads to orient themselves. Above sea it has been observed that the flight direction is much more accurate if the landscape on the coast is still visible. [7]

Celestial navigation: Butterflies are known to be capable of navigation with the help of the Sun. They can also navigate by using polarized light. The polarization of the Sun's light changes with the angle of the rays, hence they can also navigate with cloudy weather. There are indications that they can even make corrections depending on the time on a day. Diamondback moths are known to fly in a straight trajectory which is not dependent on the angle of the Sun's rays. [14] Tests have been performed to interfere with the biological clock of certain species by keeping them in the dark and then observing if they would choose for other flight paths. The conclusion was that some species did, and others did not. [15] Research on monarchs demonstrates that with removal of antennae, the location of the circadian clock, individuals do not localize in any one direction during flight as they do with antennae intact. [16] Night flyers cannot use sun light for navigation. Most of these species rely on the Moon and stars instead.

Earth's magnetic field: A number of moths use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate, as a study of the stray heart and dart [17] suggests. Another study, this time of the migratory behaviour of the silver Y, showed that this species, even at high altitudes, can correct its course with changing winds, and prefers flying with favourable winds, which suggests a great sense of direction. [18] A study in Panama of Aphrissa statira, which migrate in large groups annually, found that this species loses its navigational capacity when exposed to a magnetic field, suggesting they use the Earth's magnetic field to determine their direction of flight in migration. [19]

Multigeneration migration

Painted ladies ( Vanessa cardui ) are able to migrate over multiple generations. Genetic analysis of pollen grains transported by hundreds of butterflies collected across ten countries allowed researchers to track down the origin of a migration event that took place over 9 months from 2018 to 2019. Most likely, the butterfly outbreak originated in northern Arabia and the Middle East, when vegetation was unusually abundant in late 2018 to early 2019. Their migration to eastern Europe, apparently spanned two or three generations and finally reached western Europe during the summer of 2019. [20]

Areas where migratory butterflies and moths can be found

Blue tiger (Tirumala limniace) butterflies resting while migrating, Western Ghats, South India. Butterfly migration by N A Nazeer.jpg
Blue tiger (Tirumala limniace) butterflies resting while migrating, Western Ghats, South India.

Migratory Lepidoptera can be found on all continents, migrating within or from the Tropics and Subtropics. North, they can be found up to Spitsbergen, above the Arctic Circle. [13] Some migratory Lepidoptera have spread over most of the world. Some of these are pest insects, such as the diamondback moth, Helicoverpa armigera , and Trichoplusia ni .

Examples of migratory Lepidoptera

Distribution map of Acherontia atropos. Red, all year. orange, summer Acherontia atropos distribution map cutted.png
Distribution map of Acherontia atropos . Red, all year. orange, summer

Example species: Macroglossum stellatarum

The green areas are the areas where Macroglossum stellatarum can survive year round. In the blue areas it can be found in summer. In the yellow area it is found in winter Distribution map Macroglossum stellatarum.svg
The green areas are the areas where Macroglossum stellatarum can survive year round. In the blue areas it can be found in summer. In the yellow area it is found in winter

Macroglossum stellatarum is a moth that is recorded in the subtropical part of the Palearctic realm year round. In summer, the species disperses north up to Scandinavia and Iceland. In winter it migrates further south, deeper into Africa and to the Indian subcontinent.[ citation needed ]

In the Netherlands and Belgium, there are 100 to 200 records per year in an average year. In warm summers however, like 2005 and 2006, several thousand are recorded. [35] In mild winters, small numbers can survive this far north, but these numbers are insufficient to call it a real population. [3]

Causes

Usually, butterflies and moths migrate to escape from potentially harmful circumstances. Examples of this are a shortage of proper food plants, an unfavorable climate, like cold or extreme rain or overpopulation.

Migration and evolution

A phenomenon like migration is an evolutionary development. By migrating, the species has survived the process of natural selection. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to migration. An example of this is the protozoan Ophryocystis elektroscirrha a parasite of the monarch. Severely infected individuals are weak, unable to expand their wings, or unable to eclose, and have shortened lifespans, but parasite levels vary in populations. This is not the case in laboratory or commercial rearing, where after a few generations, all individuals can be infected. [36] Infection with this parasite creates an effect known as culling whereby migrating monarchs that are infected are less likely to complete the migration. This results in overwintering populations with lower parasite loads. [37]

Recording

Record of a massive appearance of (presumably) Agrius convolvuli in 1719 near Turnau. Turnau1719 v3.jpg
Record of a massive appearance of (presumably) Agrius convolvuli in 1719 near Turnau.

Butterflies (and to a lesser extent moths) migrating in large numbers are a noteworthy sight, which is easy to observe and track. There are several historic records about migrating butterflies. There are records dating back to 1100 about migrating butterflies (probably a Pieris species) from Bavaria to the Duchy of Saxony and from 1248 about the migration of yellow butterflies in Japan.

When flying at high altitudes, spotting migrating butterflies or moths can be hard. Low flying species are easily spotted or caught using a light trap. When individuals fly too high for these methods, air balloons equipped with nets are used at times. Alternatively, radar is used to monitor migration. [12]

Another registration technique, is marking the wings with tiny stickers, a technique comparable with bird ringing. This technique has not proven to be very successful though. [7] Advances in technology might make it possible to equip individuals with micro transmitters in the future.

Migration and climate change

Global warming has caused an increase of migratory butterflies and moths that reach north-western European countries like the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Research in the United Kingdom confirms that an increasing number of migrants reach the country. Because one would expect that migratory species can adapt to new circumstances quite well, the researches warn for new species that can have a negative impact on native species and possible damage to both health (species like the oak processionary) and agriculture. [38]

Effects of migration change and falling numbers

Changes in migration patterns can have serious implications for the surrounding environment. Butterflies are considered a keystone species; their residence in a habitat is a key indicator of the health of the ecosystem. [39] Butterflies serve a multitude of purposes within an ecosystem including promoting genetic diversity [40] through pollination and serving as a food source for many birds.

Agriculturally, butterflies are important pollinators and are responsible for pollinating many herbs are root vegetables. An estimated 90% of the food we consume is affected by pollination, and more directly, approximately 75% of flowering plants. [41] The loss of butterflies could lead to a decline in agricultural production and quality of crops, as the pollination of crops via butterflies promotes genetic diversity which can help crops adapt to fight off new pests and diseases. Agricultural practices like using pesticides and grazing [42] have negative impact on butterfly numbers.

A loss in butterflies also means a loss in biological wealth. Butterflies are known as the "flying flower' [39] as they are beautiful and carry a large aesthetic value. Dwindling numbers and the following decline of ecosystems will lead to greater loss of biological wealth over time, as without pollinators many plants will not grow or bloom.

Many scientists have analyzed data, revealing that the Monarch butterfly population has declined significantly since the 1980s and the 1990s. The causes of the recent decline are lodging, falling trees, global warming, reduction of milkweed to breeding places, and the drought in areas butterflies roost. However, the biggest limiting factors to the species' is climate change. Warmer temperatures over time are changing weather patterns and disrupting the usual balance of nature. This poses many risks to human beings and all other forms of life on Earth.

Some examples of threatened or endangered American butterflies include:

The solutions are simple, the include but are not limited to educational material to educate young children, The Monarch Act of 2021, butterfly sanctuaries, limiting the use of pesticides and herbicides while farming, and planting the native milkweed.

Footnotes

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  18. Scientists make compass discovery in migrating moths Archived 2012-05-30 at archive.today , University of Greenwich.
  19. Srygley, R; Dudley, R; Oliveira, E; Riveros, A (2006). "Experimental evidence for a magnetic sense in Neotropical migrating butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)" (PDF). Animal Behaviour. 71: 183–191. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.04.013. S2CID   25203050. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-11-04.
  20. Gorki, Johanna Luise; López-Mañas, Roger; Sáez, Llorenç; Menchetti, Mattia; Shapoval, Nazar; Andersen, Anne; Benyamini, Dubi; Daniels, Steve; García-Berro, Aurora; Reich, Megan S.; Scalercio, Stefano; Toro-Delgado, Eric; Bataille, Clément P.; Domingo-Marimon, Cristina; Vila, Roger (June 2024). "Pollen metabarcoding reveals the origin and multigenerational migratory pathway of an intercontinental-scale butterfly outbreak". Current Biology. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.037.
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  26. Smith, N.G. (1983). "Host Plant Toxicity and Migration in the Dayflying Moth Urania" (PDF). Florida Entomologist. 66 (1): 76–87. doi:10.2307/3494552. JSTOR   3494552.
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Ophryocystis elektroscirrha is an obligate, neogregarine protozoan parasite that infects monarch and queen butterflies. There are no other known hosts. The species was first discovered in Florida, around the late 1960s. Since then, it has been found in every monarch population examined to date, including monarchs sampled in North America, Hawaii, Australia, Cuba, and Central and South America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butterfly gardening</span> Gardening to benefit butterflies

Butterfly gardening is a way to create, improve, and maintain habitat for lepidopterans including butterflies, skippers, and moths. Butterflies have four distinct life stages—egg, larva, chrysalis, and adult. In order to support and sustain butterfly populations, an ideal butterfly garden contains habitat for each life stage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insect migration</span> Seasonal movement of insects

Insect migration is the seasonal movement of insects, particularly those by species of dragonflies, beetles, butterflies and moths. The distance can vary with species and in most cases, these movements involve large numbers of individuals. In some cases, the individuals that migrate in one direction may not return and the next generation may instead migrate in the opposite direction. This is a significant difference from bird migration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal migration</span> Periodic large-scale movement of animals, usually seasonal

Animal migration is the relatively long-distance movement of individual animals, usually on a seasonal basis. It is the most common form of migration in ecology. It is found in all major animal groups, including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans. The cause of migration may be local climate, local availability of food, the season of the year or for mating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insect biodiversity</span>

Insect biodiversity accounts for a large proportion of all biodiversity on the planet—over half of the estimated 1.5 million organism species described are classified as insects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian painted lady</span> Species of butterfly

The Australian painted lady is a species of butterfly mostly confined to Australia, although westerly winds have dispersed it to islands east of Australia, including New Zealand. Debate surrounds the taxonomy of this species. Some believe that the Australian painted lady should be a subspecies of the painted lady due to the similarity in lifestyle and behaviour. Furthermore, the painted lady is found around the globe, but Australia is the only location in which it varies enough to be considered a separate species.

<i>Episyrphus balteatus</i> Species of fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia, and North Africa. It is considered the most abundant native hoverfly in Central Europe.

<i>Aphrissa statira</i> Species of butterfly

Aphrissa statira, the statira sulphur, is a species of Lepidoptera in the family Pieridae. The species is a medium-sized yellow butterfly, with females more pale than males. They are found from southern regions of Florida and Texas through southern Brazil and northern Argentina. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of several local host plants, while adults prefer to feed on the nectar of red or orange colored flowers. The species is most noted for their dramatic migrations in the tropical areas of the Americas. They have been the subject of many studies about how butterflies navigate and orient during migration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monarch butterfly migration</span> Migrations, mainly across North America

Monarch butterfly migration is the phenomenon, mainly across North America, where the subspecies Danaus plexippus plexippus migrates each autumn to overwintering sites on the West Coast of California or mountainous sites in Central Mexico. Other populations from around the world perform minor migrations or none at all. This massive movement of butterflies has been recognized as "one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Migration (ecology)</span> Large-scale movement of members of a species to a different environment

Migration, in ecology, is the large-scale movement of members of a species to a different environment. Migration is a natural behavior and component of the life cycle of many species of mobile organisms, not limited to animals, though animal migration is the best known type. Migration is often cyclical, frequently occurring on a seasonal basis, and in some cases on a daily basis. Species migrate to take advantage of more favorable conditions with respect to food availability, safety from predation, mating opportunity, or other environmental factors.

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