Trans-Saharan migratory patterns in Vanessa cardui and evidence for a southward leapfrog migration

Reich, Megan S.; Ghouri, Sana; Zabudsky, Samantha; Hu, Lihai; Le Corre, Mael; Ng'iru, Ivy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4766-6251; Benyamini, Dubi; Shipilina, Daria; Collins, Steve C.; Martins, Dino J.; Vila, Roger; Talavera, Gerard; Bataille, Clément P.. 2024 Trans-Saharan migratory patterns in Vanessa cardui and evidence for a southward leapfrog migration [in special issue: Insect migrations] iScience, 111342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.111342

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Abstract/Summary

Some insects, such as the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui, exhibit complex annual migratory cycles spanning multiple generations. Traversing extensive seas or deserts is often a required segment of these migratory journeys. We develop a bioavailable strontium isoscape for Europe and Africa, and then use isotope geolocation combining hydrogen and strontium isotopes to estimate the natal origins of painted ladies captured north and south of the Sahara during spring and autumn, respectively. Our findings reveal moderate migratory connectivity across the Sahara characterised by a broad-front, parallel migration. We also report evidence of a leapfrog migration, wherein early autumn migrants from higher latitudes cover greater distances southward than their late autumn counterparts. This work represents a major advancement in understanding insect migratory patterns and connectivity, particularly across extensive barriers, which is essential for understanding population dynamics and predicting the impacts of global change on insect-mediated ecosystem services.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.111342
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pollution (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	2589-0042
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	Vanessa cardui, insect migration, migratory connectivity, leapfrog migration, isotope geolocation, strontium isotope ratios, hydrogen isotopes, Sahara, painted lady butterfly
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	20 Nov 2024 15:10 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/538409

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