Fluttering White Butterflies in Kenya Explained

By Bernard Gitau

The sight of thousands of butterflies filling the skies over Kenya has sparked a range of reactions, especially among farmers still reeling from the effects of a severe drought. Concerns about potential damage to crops have been voiced by some, fearing that the larval stage of the butterflies could pose a threat.

However, experts like Ndung’u Njoroge from the Museums of Kenya assure farmers that these butterflies are harmless to crops. Ndung’u explains that butterflies have specific wild plants they feed on and do not typically target crops. Additionally, he emphasizes the beneficial role butterflies play as pollinators.

Addressing concerns about the possibility of the butterflies turning into armyworms, Ndung’u clarifies that this is not a plausible scenario. He highlights the differences between butterflies and moths, particularly in their antennae structure, and notes that armyworms eventually become moths, but their larval stage causes damage.

“The specific type of butterfly observed in this migration, identified as the Brown-Veined-White or Caper White, is not new to Kenya,” Ndung’u explains. “While butterfly migrations are an annual event, the current migration stands out due to the sheer number of butterflies and their direction of movement.”

“Originating possibly from Sudan and Northern Uganda, these butterflies are likely heading towards Tanzania and the Congo forest in search of food and suitable breeding grounds,” Ndung’u continues. “Kenya’s significance as a hub for butterflies is evident, boasting at least 1,000 species.”

While the butterfly migration may be a spectacle to behold, it poses no immediate threat to crops and serves as a reminder of the intricate ecological processes at play.