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.

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.

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.

So far, the butterflies, with 2-inch wingspans and striking color patterns of white, black and orange, are not showing up in large masses, but in small numbers scattered across the county. ( Image ...

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.

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.

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.