As the climate warms, painted lady butterflies are migrating farther north, extending their ancient journey across Europe and Africa. Captivating photographs reveal the remarkable adaptability of these insects, as they thrive in diverse habitats and adjust to changing weather patterns.
For millions of years, a vast number of painted lady butterflies have made an annual migration across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This phenomenon has been observed throughout human history, yet scientists had long struggled to understand the exact distance these butterflies traveled or how they managed such arduous journeys.
The Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) is a migratory species found in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
It has a distinctive orange and black color pattern with white spots.
These butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year, crossing deserts and oceans to reach their breeding grounds.
They are known for their ability to adapt to different environments and feed on a wide range of plants.
The Painted Lady's migratory patterns have fascinated scientists, who study their behavior to better understand the effects of climate change on butterfly populations.
In recent years, an international team of researchers, led by the Worldwide Painted Lady Migration Project, has made significant progress in tracing this ancient migration route. Over the past decade, they have identified 10 generations of painted lady butterflies during their annual migratory cycle, spanning equatorial Africa to the northernmost parts of Europe and back. Photographer “Lucas Foglia” accompanied these scientists on their journey, capturing stunning images of both the butterflies and the researchers at work.
Foglia’s photographs reveal a remarkable adaptability in painted lady butterflies, which can be found in a variety of habitats, from wildflowers to gardens and even construction sites. These butterflies thrive on nectar from plants like thistles and buddleia, as well as laying eggs on the soil of roadsides. Their ability to adjust their routes according to changing weather patterns has allowed them to survive during times of drought.
Foglia’s photographs also highlight the interconnectedness between human history and nature. As global temperatures rise, causing shifts in weather patterns, painted lady butterflies have adapted by altering their migration routes. This phenomenon is mirrored in human migration, as people seek sustenance across borders. Foglia encountered individuals who, like the butterflies, were making similar journeys north from various African and Middle Eastern countries to cross into Europe.
One poignant memory that has stuck with “Foglia” is encountering a group of Palestinian refugees walking through Roman ruins in Jordan, where painted lady butterflies had been migrating for millions of years. This encounter made him reflect on the ways human history is intertwined with nature, rather than separate from it. The painted ladies’ migration serves as a powerful symbol of this connection.
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), there are approximately 5.6 million registered Palestinian refugees worldwide.
The majority reside in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, with some living in refugee camps established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Many have been displaced multiple times due to ongoing conflicts, including the 1967 Six-Day War and the 2014 Gaza War.
The refugee crisis has resulted in significant social, economic, and humanitarian challenges for those affected.
As Norway‘s climate warms, painted lady butterflies migrate farther north, extending their journey even further. This remarkable phenomenon underscores the resilience and adaptability of these incredible insects.
