Extraordinary creatures: bogong moths

Bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) are native to Australia. Each year, the nocturnal insects migrate ∼1000 km from locations including southern Queensland, northern and western New South Wales, eastern South Australia and Victoria to the alpine areas of southeastern Australia at elevations above 1850 m, where they aestivate – the summer equivalent of hibernation – in isolated caves. They then return to their native territory the following year to reproduce and die. During their long-distance migrations, which can take up to a month, the insects are guided by the Earth's magnetic field and the night sky to the caves. Eric Warrant has studied these remarkable insects over the last 15 years, investigating the senses that allow them to follow the navigational cues that guide their exceptional journey. He tells Journal of Experimental Biology about these extraordinary creatures, how they are exquisitely adapted to their migration and their cultural significance to the First Nations people of Australia.