Butterflies Really Know How to Fly

The path of a butterfly may appear haphazard to us, but there is a method to the fluttering.  A UK team of scientists put transponders on butterflies and monitored their flight paths.  They found that the looping paths appear to help with orientation and food detection.  The rest of the time, they flew straight at speeds up to six miles an hour.  They appeared able to detect hazards from 200 meters, and food sources at 100 meters.  See the BBC News story for more information.
    MSNBC News reported that the largest migration of painted lady butterflies is underway in California.  From the southern desert and coastal areas, they fly through the Central Valley and some make it all the way to Oregon.  See also the press release from UC Davis.

What kind of engineering and programming must a tiny butterfly brain possess to engage in navigation, orienteering, and long distance flight?  The most delicate of small creatures shows capabilities that would stump robotics experts.  Help your kids appreciate not just the beauty but the technical abilities of these beautifully-decorated small wonders.