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.

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' 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.

Her monarch butterfly photos were first exhibited at the Bolinas Museum in the summer of 2022 along with an exhibit of Schell’s transformation of his family’s farm into the sanctuary.