Overview

• The butterflies traveled at least 2,600 miles non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean, a first for any insect species.
• Genetic and isotope analyses traced the butterflies' origins to Africa and Europe, ruling out North America.
• Favorable wind conditions from the Sahara aided their journey, allowing them to glide and conserve energy.
• Pollen DNA on the butterflies identified African plant species, confirming their nectar sources before the flight.
• This discovery highlights the potential for more frequent long-distance dispersal events due to climate change.