Predation risk in a migratory butterfly increases southward along a latitudinal gradient

• DOI: 10.1111/ecog.07308
• Publication Date: 2024-09-11T13:15:50Z
• Authors: Constanti Stefanescu; Clàudia Pla‐Narbona; Andreu Ubach; Crinan Jarrett; Justinn Renelies‐...; Pau Colom

In migratory insects performing multigenerational migration, such as the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui , successive generations face a wide variety of predator communities and may be subject to different predation risks. Here, we analyze pattern wing damage over 2000 butterflies investigate, for first time, risk adult ladies across latitudinal range ca 3500 km extending from northern Mediterranean through Maghreb sub‐Saharan West Africa. Large number showed substantial attributable failed attacks, with birds, mantids lizards being most likely predators. The attack increased towards equator, even after controlling wear. addition, there was strong effect size on risk, larger facing higher compared their smaller counterparts, clear evidence that females suffered more attacks than males. Although is major factor, latitude stronger predictor system, evidenced by greater in at lower latitudes, though notably decreased. These results raise an interesting evolutionary conflict, tradeoff between are fecund efficient flight but, same vulnerable predation.