Round-trip across the Sahara: Afrotropical Painted Lady butterflies recolonize the Mediterranean in early spring

Wing stable hydrogen isotope values indicate sub-Saharan origins for many Painted Lady butterflies collected in early spring.

• Evidence supports the occurrence of a reverse migration from the Afrotropics to Europe for the Painted Lady butterfly.
• Isotope analysis shows that individuals captured in February are primarily from sub-Saharan regions.
• This finding suggests that the Afrotropics play a significant role in the population dynamics of this migratory species.
• The Painted Lady butterfly exhibits a unique adaptation by utilizing both temperate and tropical habitats in its life cycle.
• This migratory pattern parallels those observed in migratory birds.

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