Menz, Myles H.M., Scacco, Martina, Burki-Spycher, Hans-Martin, Williams, Hannah J., Reynolds, Don R., Chapman, Jason W., and Wikelski, Martin (2022) Individual tracking reveals long-distance flight-path control in a nocturnally migrating moth. Science, 377 (6607). pp. 764-768.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

 

5

2

Abstract

Each year, trillions of insects make long-range seasonal migrations. These movements are relatively well understood at a population level, but how individual insects achieve them remains elusive. Behavioral responses to conditions en route are little studied, primarily owing to the challenges of tracking individual insects. Using a light aircraft and individual radio tracking, we show that nocturnally migrating death's-head hawkmoths maintain control of their flight trajectories over long distances. The moths did not just fly with favorable tailwinds; during a given night, they also adjusted for head and crosswinds to precisely hold course. This behavior indicates that the moths use a sophisticated internal compass to maintain seasonally beneficial migratory trajectories independent of wind conditions, illuminating how insects traverse long distances to take advantage of seasonal resources.

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page