How
Much Energy Does a Monarch Butterfly Use to Fly?
Flapping vs. Soaring/Gliding Flight
How many times more energy is burned during flapping flight than during soaring/gliding flight? According to research by Dr. David Gibo, a monarch could either soar for over 1,000 hours or flap for only 44 using the same amount of energy.
- 1,000 hours is how many more times more than 44 hours?
- Compare 1,000 hours to 44 hours
- 1,000 = 44 x
- x = 22.7 times
Simple math shows that 22.7 times more energy is needed to flap than to glide.
- Try This: Take a closer look at flapping flight and see why it burns so much energy. See Flapping Flight in Slow Motion
