Multi-generational cyclical migration blows my mind. It seems like the insects must either (a) be following some environmental signal in an algorithmic fashion, or (b) have some kind of navigational knowledge encoded in their DNA. Perhaps a bit of both?
Great to see more study in this area. Truly one of the marvels of the world to me.
You might also marvel at the abilities of the dragonfly, Pantala flavescen. It is known to do multigenerational migrations over oceans. [1]
>It is considered to be the most widespread dragonfly on the planet with good population on every continent except Antarctica although rare in Europe. Globe skimmers make an annual multigenerational journey of some 18,000 km (about 11,200 miles); to complete the migration, individual globe skimmers fly more than 6,000 km (3,730 miles)—one of the farthest known migrations of all insect species.
Great to see more study in this area. Truly one of the marvels of the world to me.