Monarch butterflies with more white spots on their mostly orange-and-black wings are more successful at long-distance migration. Some scientists think the spots may affect airflow around their wings.

It’s hard to overlook the brilliant orange and black wings of a monarch butterfly as it moves through a garden of flowers. It ...

Following a bad year for butterflies in 2024, it’s more important than ever to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.

Monarch butterflies have distinctive orange-and-black wings with small white spots. And it's those spots that recently caught the attention of a group of scientists.

“They have smaller flowers so butterflies with tiny proboscides can reach the nectar,” she said. “Butterfly bush (Buddleja) is also a good option, and of course, milkweed produces flowers which ...

Arlo Pérez Esquivel A small black, white and orange butterfly stands on a leaf at the Butterfly Pavilion at Westminster “It’s the only place they go to for the winter,” Hershcovich said.

Monarch butterflies with more white spots on their mostly orange-and-black wings are more successful at long-distance migration. Some scientists think the spots may affect airflow around their wings.

Also, buckwheat produces small, pinkish-white flowers that feed local butterflies. “They have smaller flowers so butterflies with tiny proboscides can reach the nectar,” she said.