Stimulus-dependent orientation strategies in monarch butterflies.

ABSTRACT: Insects are well known for their ability to keep track of their heading direction based on a combination of skylight cues and visual landmarks. This allows them to navigate back to their nest, disperse throughout unfamiliar environments, as well as migrate over large distances between their breeding and non-breeding habitats. The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), for instance, is known for its annual southward migration from North America to certain trees in Central Mexico. To maintain a constant flight route, these butterflies use a time-compensated sun compass, which is processed in a region in the brain, termed the central complex. However, to successfully complete their journey, the butterflies' brain must generate a multitude of orientation strategies, allowing them to dynamically

SUBMITTER: Franzke M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8918799 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature