Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Using Pharmacological Manipulation and High-precision Radio Telemetry to Study the Spatial Cognition in Free-ranging Animals
Published on: November 6, 2016
Navigational mechanisms of migrating monarch butterflies
Steven M Reppert1, Robert J Gegear, Christine Merlin
1Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. Steven.Reppert@umassmed.edu
Abstract:
Recent studies of the iconic fall migration of monarch butterflies have illuminated the mechanisms behind their southward navigation while using a time-compensated sun compass. Skylight cues, such as the sun itself and polarized light, are processed through both eyes and are probably integrated in the brain's central complex, the presumed site of the sun compass. Time compensation is provided by circadian clocks that have a distinctive molecular mechanism and that reside in the antennae. Monarchs might also use a magnetic compass because they possess two cryptochromes that have the molecular capability for light-dependent magnetoreception. Multiple genomic approaches are now being used with the aim of identifying navigation genes. Monarch butterflies are thus emerging as an excellent model organism in which to study the molecular and neural basis of long-distance migration.
More Related Videos
09:00Insect-controlled Robot: A Mobile Robot Platform to Evaluate the Odor-tracking Capability of an Insect
Published on: December 19, 2016
07:10At-Risk Butterfly Captive Propagation Programs to Enhance Life History Knowledge and Effective Ex Situ Conservation Techniques
Published on: February 11, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Migration
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers
Gastrulation
Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Osmoregulation in Insects