If you’ve ever wondered how the monarch butterfly got its spots, University of Georgia researchers may have just found the answer.
The 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.”
Read more at: Yale Environment 360
Although it’s not yet clear how the monarch butterfly's spots aid migration, the researchers believe the spots may change airflow patterns around the animal's wings. (Photo Credit: Andy Davis)