Brief info
model species
Large Yellow Underwing
Noctua pronuba
Red Underwing
Catocala nupta
Project PI
Collaborators
Knowledge gap
There is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the orientation cues used by nocturnal Lepidoptera migrants in different parts of the world, despite the fact that billions of moths undertake high-altitude migratory journeys each year. The Australian Bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) is a notable exception, renowned for its remarkable long-distance migration and its use of stellar cues and the Earth’s magnetic field to create a robust compass system. However, little is known about the migratory behaviours and navigation systems of moth species in Europe.
Our plans
In this project, we aim to study orientation behaviour of various European moth species, seeking to understand which cues they use for direction-finding (orientation, compass systems) during nocturnal migration. Additionally, we will investigate how human-induced environmental changes—such as climate change, increasing levels of light pollution, and electromagnetic interference—might impact their migratory patterns and navigation systems. By addressing these gaps, our research will contribute to a broader understanding of nocturnal insect migration and the challenges these species face in a rapidly changing world.
Our discoveries
Our experimental setups
Key papers (click to expand):
- Aleksandr Pakhomov, Anatoly Shapoval, Nazar Shapoval, Dmitry Kishkinev. Not All Butterflies Are Monarchs: Compass Systems in the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), a European Diurnal Migrant // bioRxiv 2025.05.01.651646. Link
Funding:
UKRI Guarantee Scheme (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Postdoctoral Fellowship to Dr Alex Pakhomov), 2024-2026
Key oral talks and presentations:
- Poster: The Role of Magnetic and Celestial Cues in Orientation Behaviour European Migratory Lepidoptera // ASAB Spring 2026
Bristol, UK, 23-25 March 2026/ Poster (in jpg)
Animal Navigation Lab 
