Hundreds of millions of native butterflies have flocked to south-east Queensland in a phenomenon which only happens every six to 10 years.

Caper White butterflies are migrating from west of the Great Dividing Range to lay their eggs.

Bribie Island butterfly breeder Ray Archer said the insects lay 60-100 eggs each on caper bushes and once hatched, the caterpillars can "annihilate" the plants.

Mr Archer said it was normal to see the butterflies at this time of year but larger migrations such as this week's were less common, happening about every six to 10 years.