But the symbolic meaning of a white butterfly may be more powerful than you expect. ... Getty Images. gettyimages-1587783663 ...

The white spots on the edges of a monarch butterfly's wings might give it an advantage while migrating, according to new research. Sanka Vidanagama / NurPhoto via Getty Images ...

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' big white spots help them fly better. ... The researchers analysed images of more than 400 monarch wings in different stages of the insects’ fall migration from north to south.

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.