Scientists Find First Evidence That Butterflies Crossed an Ocean
Scientists discovered painted lady butterflies crossed the ocean from Europe or Africa to South America. Analysis of pollen DNA traced their journey, revealing their long-distance travel capabilities and emphasizing the significance of understanding insect migrations.
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Scientists have found the first evidence that painted lady butterflies crossed an ocean, likely from Europe or Africa to South America. The discovery was made when a group of these butterflies was found stranded on a beach in French Guiana, far from their usual habitat. By analyzing pollen DNA on the butterflies, researchers traced their journey back to West African countries, matching the timeline of their arrival in South America. Genetic sequencing and isotope tracing confirmed their European-African roots and ruled out the possibility of a land route from North America. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the incredible long-distance travel capabilities of these butterflies and the challenges scientists face in tracking insect migrations. This groundbreaking finding not only reveals the butterflies' ability to endure a transoceanic journey but also highlights the importance of understanding insect migrations for global ecosystems.
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