Kansas City, Missouri, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A rare white monarch butterfly has been discovered in Kansas City, Missouri, far from its usual habitat in Hawaii. The sighting occurred at a monarch waystation on October 3 during a routine planting of native milkweed seeds. This white variation of the butterfly, characterized by its unique genetic traits, raises intriguing questions about its migratory patterns and origins. It was seen nectaring on a New England aster alongside a white-banded crab spider hunting a regular monarch. The sighting highlights the importance of native plant conservation for monarch populations.
Kansas City, Missouri
A rare white monarch butterfly has been spotted in Kansas City, Missouri, approximately 4,000 miles from its typical habitat in Hawaii. The sighting occurred on October 3, at an official monarch waystation, when Amanda Gehin, an assistant natural history biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, discovered the unusual butterfly while spreading native milkweed seeds in her yard.
The white monarch butterfly was seen nectaring on a New England aster, which is a native late-season bloomer. In the same area, a white-banded crab spider was also observed hunting a regular monarch butterfly. The sighting of the white variation has raised questions about its origins and migratory patterns, as it could potentially be traveling from the contiguous U.S. to Mexico.
The phenomenon of white patterning in monarch butterflies is attributed to the presence of two copies of specific autosomal recessive alleles. Gehin communicated with Orley “Chip” Taylor, the founding director of Monarch Watch, who indicated that there had been only one prior sighting of a white monarch butterfly this year. The unusual specimen noted by Gehin featured black eyes instead of the typical maroon, making it an even rarer find.
Historically, white monarch butterflies have been recorded since the 1890s, with a notable population on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Sightings peaked at about 8% in Hawaii around 1989 but dwindled to only 2% by 1998, attributed to the introduction of predatory birds that targeted orange monarch butterflies. Researchers have suggested that white monarchs may possess a selective advantage during times of low abundance.
Gehin encourages the planting of native plants, such as milkweed, to support monarch butterfly populations. Some theories propose that the white coloration of these butterflies could render them more palatable to predators, possibly providing a form of protection from specific bird species. The sighting has offered Gehin a unique opportunity to expand her knowledge regarding the behavior of monarch butterflies.
Key Facts
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Discovery Date: October 3
- Typical Habitat: Hawaii, 4,000 miles away
- Native Bloomer: New England aster
- Color Variation: Two copies of certain alleles
- Previous Sightings This Year: One
- Historical Sightings: Recorded in the 1890s, peaked at 8% in Hawaii around 1989
Background on the White Monarch Butterfly
White monarch butterflies, although spotted occasionally in the past, have become rare due to various ecological changes and factors affecting their populations. Research into why these variations occur offers insights into their genetic make-up and potential advantages they may have in certain environments.
Importance of Monarch Conservation
Planting native species is vital for the conservation of monarch butterflies, highlighting the importance of local action in supporting these unique insects. Gehin’s sighting serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the continued efforts needed to protect it.
FAQ
Where was the rare white monarch butterfly spotted?
The rare white monarch butterfly was spotted in Kansas City, Missouri.
When was the butterfly discovered?
The butterfly was discovered on October 3.
How far is its typical habitat?
Its typical habitat is over 4,000 miles away in Hawaii.
What plant was the butterfly nectaring on?
The butterfly was nectaring on a New England aster.
What genetic trait causes the white coloration?
The white pattern in monarch butterflies occurs due to the presence of two copies of certain autosomal recessive alleles.
Key Features of the White Monarch Butterfly Sighting
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Variation | White coloration due to genetic mutation |
| Eye Color | Specimen found had black eyes, unlike typical maroon |
| Location of Sighting | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Evidence of Hunting | White-banded crab spider seen hunting a monarch butterfly in the area |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KSDK: Rare White Monarch Butterfly Spotted
- Wikipedia: Monarch Butterfly
- Great Bend Tribune: Monarch Butterfly Mural
- Google Search: Monarch Butterfly Migration
- KCTV5: Volunteers Needed to Help Tag Monarch Butterflies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Monarch Butterfly
- Fox 4 KC: How to Help Monarch Butterflies
- Google News: White Monarch Butterfly
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
