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DNA to flutter by

Monarchs’ genetic instructions help meet migration, navigation needs

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Scientists have deciphered the complete genetic instruction book of monarch butterflies. It is the first butterfly genome completed and the first of a long-distance migrating insect.

Monarch butterflies have genes that may help the insects sense the position of the sun and navigate, reveals a new study that reports the complete genetic instruction book for the insect.