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| Lesser Wanderer butterfly Danaus petilia. |
A migratory species which is native to Australia and neighbouring tropical countries. It is closely related to the internationally famous Monarch that migrates from Mexico to North America.
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UPDATE -- RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
chm -- no I don't think they are Gondwanan. The wind can carry these migrant species far and wide. Australia has a resident population of Monarchs too, which I believe were blown across the Pacific. Island hopping of course, and arriving in the 19C. I think the fact that they are so light is what makes them such wide ranging migrants.
3 comments:
It is amazing that such frail creatures could travel so many miles back and forth! As you said, nature is marvelous.
If these are closely related to Monarch, does it mean they date back to Gondwana?
Thank you Susan for your answer. It is incredible that such light creatures could be blown over lands and oceans, and survive!
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