INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH
Thanks to the data source combination of Citizen Scientist observations, our own field expeditions, permanent monitoring programs, the review of records in literature and a constant interaction with colleagues all over the world, we database all the information with tractable formats for scientific researchOur recent field expeditions:
Because of their small size, long-range movements of insects are challenging to track. We combine multiple techniques to jointly unravel the most likely migratory routes of the butterflies. From the use of DNA to investigate gene flow, the study of the pollen carried by the butterflies or modelling techniques based on stable isotope and niche data.
Using freshly collected samples and those reared in the lab, the deep exploration of the genomes begin. Identify genomic regions associated to migratory behaviour and how these have evolved through time are some of the most exciting topics for insect migration research.
Exploring ways to quantify behavioural traits is essential in evolutionary research. Using tethered flights in simulator setups we can understand questions related to flight intensity, directionality and orientation.
The incredible migratory journeys of this apparently fragile butterfly are a natural wonder that society deserves enjoying. We work to communicate the daily life of our expeditions around the world, the citizen science programme and the results of our research through the media and by editing our own outreach material. Watch the video describing the epic migration from Europe to tropical Africa!Media highlights:
PUBLICATIONS
Talavera G*, Bataille C*, Benyamini D, Gascoigne-Pees M, Vila R (2018). Round-trip across the Sahara: Afrotropical Painted Lady butterflies recolonize the Mediterranean in early spring. Biology Letters. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0274 [Link]
Suchan T*, Talavera G*, Sáez L, Ronikier M, Vila R (2018). Pollen metabarcoding as a tool for tracking long-distance insect migration. Molecular Ecology Resources. In press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/312363 [Link]
Talavera G, Vila R (2016). Discovery of mass migration and breeding of the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui in the Sub-Sahara: the Europe-Africa migration revisited. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI: 10.1111/bij.12873 [Link] [PDF]
Stefanescu C, Soto DX, Talavera G, Vila R, Hobson K (2016). Long-distance autumn migration across the Sahara by painted lady butterflies: exploiting resource pulses in the tropical savannah. Biology Letters. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0561 [Link]
Talavera G, Vila R (2017). Vanessa’s Odyssey, Tribute to the butterfly Vanessa cardui and her incredible journey. Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPtGA6gm9Uc)
Suchan T*, Talavera G*, Sáez L, Ronikier M, Vila R (2018). Pollen metabarcoding as a tool for tracking long-distance insect migration. Molecular Ecology Resources. In press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/312363 [Link]
Talavera G, Vila R (2016). Discovery of mass migration and breeding of the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui in the Sub-Sahara: the Europe-Africa migration revisited. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI: 10.1111/bij.12873 [Link] [PDF]
Stefanescu C, Soto DX, Talavera G, Vila R, Hobson K (2016). Long-distance autumn migration across the Sahara by painted lady butterflies: exploiting resource pulses in the tropical savannah. Biology Letters. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0561 [Link]
Talavera G, Vila R (2017). Vanessa’s Odyssey, Tribute to the butterfly Vanessa cardui and her incredible journey. Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPtGA6gm9Uc)
