One of the most exciting questions raised by studies of long-range insect transport is "Once airborne, to what extent do insects contribute to their destination?" Radar studies showing layers of insects flying at or near the level of the low level jet and with peculiar orientation lend credence to the view that these biota are in some way participating in their migration.
A simple modeling approach is hypothesized to separate biology from meteorology in long-range insect transport. Measurements of the thermal structure of the atmosphere through which insects are flying can be combined with terminal velocity and ascent rates for an ensemble of insects to model expected insect behavior. Departures from model predictions should be caused by higher-order meteorological phenomena and biology. Continued refinements of the model should isolate the biology of long-range transport, if any.