Spectacular Butterfly Migration Sweeps Through in Spring 2019

Heavy rains in the drier parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Africa led to a surge in the spring populations of painted lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies. Under pressure to secure food and avoid competition, billions of these butterflies embarked on a mass migration through Lebanon and the Levant, crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Cyprus and onward to Europe. Meanwhile, some remained behind, establishing resident populations.

These butterflies make a one-way journey to temperate regions where they breed, with the next generation set to migrate to Africa in the autumn. Some experts speculate that Lebanon and the Levant have not witnessed such a large-scale migration since 1917. Although researchers are still investigating the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon, it is believed that these white, yellow, and brown butterflies—often regarded as drab, mothlike, and unattractive—traverse Mediterranean islands such as Cyprus, Crete, Sicily, Corsica, and the Balearics. They likely pause on these islands to feed on wildflowers, replenishing their energy reserves for the long intercontinental flight ahead.

The painted lady is a cosmopolitan species with a worldwide distribution that relies on a wide variety of host plants, including members of the Compositae, Brassicaceae, and Malvaceae families, as well as numerous other species. These include several agriculturally important crops such as radishes, lettuce, strawberries, tobacco, citrus, rice, and maize. In regions where it is resident, this butterfly is among the first species to emerge in spring and is known for producing many generations throughout the year, flying continuously during the spring, summer, and autumn—or year-round in warmer climates.

Al Hima Magazine 6th Issue

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has released the sixth issue of Al Hima magazine, focusing on the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 8–15, 2025), where SPNL will join four key sessions. The issue features an exclusive interview with IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak, who emphasizes aligning IUCN’s work with global biodiversity agendas, governance, member responsiveness, multilateral engagement, ethical use of technology, and amplifying diverse voices.

Read Previous issues

spot_img
spot_img

More like this

A New Era for Global Conservation: BirdLife International and...

In a landmark moment for global biodiversity, the World Bank and BirdLife International have launched the African–Eurasian...

Fishermen at the Heart of Coastal Conservation: SPNL engages...

Under the BioConnect project, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) organized a full-day...

Hima Kefraya: A Step Toward a Cleaner Environment and...

In a remarkable initiative that reflects the spirit of partnership and community responsibility, the Society for the...