Abstract
The awe-inspiring annual migration of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) is an iconic example of long-distance migratory phenomena in which environmental sensory cues help drive successful migration. In this mini-review article, I begin by describing how studies on monarch migration can provide us with generalizable information on how sensory cues can mediate key aspects of animal movement. I describe how environmental sensory cues can trigger the development and progression of the monarch migration, as well as inform sensory-based movement mechanisms in order to travel to and reach their goal destination, despite monarchs being on their maiden voyage. I also describe how sensory cues can trigger season-appropriate changes in migratory direction during the annual cycle. I conclude this mini-review article by discussing how contemporary environmental challenges threaten the persistence of the monarch migration. Environmental challenges such as climate change and shifting land use can significantly alter the sensory environments that monarchs migrate through, as well as degrade or eliminate the sources of sensory cues that are necessary for successful migration.
Highlights
Sensory Ecology of Long-Distance Animal MigrationIn many animal species, individuals can exhibit locomotory behavior and movement patterns across varying temporal and spatial scales
Our knowledge on the fundamental role of environmental sensory cues on monarch migration has increased over the past few decades, information on how contemporary changes in the sensory environment of monarchs might affect the migratory cycle remains lacking
As environmental light cues with the appropriate characteristics and proper circadian clock function are important for proper monarch migration, the nighttime light pollution (NLP) of urban areas along the migratory routes of monarchs might significantly disrupt the entire migratory cycle
Summary
Sensory Ecology of Long-Distance Animal MigrationIn many animal species, individuals can exhibit locomotory behavior and movement patterns across varying temporal (e.g., from seconds to years) and spatial (e.g., from local natal patches to round-the-world journeys) scales. Environmental sensory cues are necessary for monarch migration to occur, as the sensing of cues correlated with the arrival of fall, i.e., decreasing photoperiod and cooler and fluctuating temperatures (Goehring and Oberhauser, 2002; Freedman et al, 2018), can help induce the monarch migratory syndrome in individuals.
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