Monarchs' white spots aid migration
Published:18 Jul.2023 Source:University of Georgia
A new study suggests that the butterflies with more white spots are more successful at reaching their long-distance wintering destination. Although it's not yet clear how the spots aid the species' migration, it's possible that the spots change airflow patterns around their wings.
"We undertook this project to learn how such a small animal can make such a successful long-distance flight," said lead author Andy Davis, an assistant researcher in UGA's Odum School of Ecology. "We actually went into this thinking that monarchs with more dark wings would be more successful at migrating because dark surfaces can improve flight efficiency. But we found the opposite."
The monarchs with less black on their wings and more white spots were the ones that made it to their ultimate destination, nearly 3,000 miles away in south and central Mexico. "It's the white spots that seem to be the difference maker," Davis said.