Butterfly Invasion of Anatolia

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Milliyet Newspaper, 8 June 2019)


                                Welcome Invaders!

All 81 of Turkey's provinces are currently experiencing an 'invasion'
by butterflies, known in English as 'Painted Lady' and scientifically
as 'Vanessa Cardui'.  The butterflies are passing through Turkey as
part of their annual 15,000-kilometer (!) migration from southern
Africa to northern Europe.

Butterfly expert Süleyman Ekşioğlu, who is an advisor to the Nature
Protection Center Foundation, explained that "this is the world's
greatest butterfly migration.  It happens every year but this year it's
more intense.  The butterflies are harmless and, in fact, very
beneficial so don't be alarmed.  The migration can be observed in all
of Anatolia and Europe.  There are 6 generations flying - in other
words, they lay eggs 6 times along the way.  One butterfly can fly
4,000 kilometers."

Ekşioğlu added that "the migration begins in April and 2019 has
been the most dense because of the mild winter and heavy rainfall.
The butterflies don't carry any diseases.  Rather, they pollinate flowers
and serve as food for birds and frogs (!).


'Painted Lady' butterfly migration routes from Africa to Europe.