Each year painted lady butterflies cross the Sahara — and then go back again
They migrate 12,000 km annually, the longest known butterfly migration route
![a painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) resting on vegetation](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/061818_LR_butterfly-est_feat.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
GOING THE DISTANCE Painted ladies travel 12,000 km each year, farther than any known butterfly migration.
Gerard Talavera