Differences in phenotypic traits and migratory strategies between eastern North American monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.)

摘要: The eastern North American population of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) has different migratory routes. majority fly to overwintering colonies in Mexico and others take an route through Florida Cuba. Monarchs migrating Florida–Cuba do not overwinter are mostly found nectaring flying close vegetation. This present study explores whether versus Mexican migrants differ (1) phenotypic traits important for migration (e.g. wing size condition, lipid lean mass content, reproductive status) (2) strategies. natal grounds residents) were determined thin-layer chromatography cardenolide fingerprint stable isotopes (hydrogen δ2H carbon δ13C). In addition, mass, status determined. results suggest that better suited longer sustained flights successful periods as a result larger wings diapause, significant fat content. By contrast, more shorter opportunistic strategies, given their poor well active > 50% these butterflies significantly low Eastern is complex diverse than previously assumed. © 2012 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2012, ••, ••–••.