Bogong Moths Travel 600 Miles At Night With The Help Of Earth's Magnetic Field

22 June 2018, 10:28 am EDT By Aaron Mamiit Tech Times

The Bogong moths of Australia have been identified as the first insects that can see the Earth's magnetic field, an ability that helps them navigate at night in long-distance migrations covering over 600 miles.

The insects use the magnetic field as a compass to keep them on the right path, as they migrate to very specific locations in Australia. The discovery follows reports of birds navigating long distances by using magnetic fields that they can see through a special protein in their eyes, and turtles being reunited with others of similar genetic composition through magnetic fields.

Bogong Moths Use The Earth's Magnetic Field
Every spring, millions of Bogong moths in Australia go on a 600-mile journey to the Australian Alps, which is the highest mountain range in the country. The nocturnal insects rest during daytime and travel during nighttime until they reach the Alps. Once there, the Bogong moths hide in caves to escape the heat of summer.

After a few months, the Bogong moths fly out of the caves and make their way back to where they came from. Once they are home, they mate and spawn a new generation before dying. The babies then continue the cycle in the next spring.

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