The –est Animals

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

GOING THE DISTANCE  Painted ladies travel 12,000 km each year, farther than any known butterfly migration.

Gerard Talavera

By Leah Rosenbaum

- More than 2 years ago

Move over, monarchs. The painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) now boasts the farthest known butterfly migration.

Though found across the world, the orange-and-brown beauties that live in Southern Europe migrate into Africa each fall, crossing the Sahara on their journey (SN Online: 10/12/16).