Zoologists challenge longstanding theory that ‘eyespots’ mimic the eyes of predator enemies
21 February 2008Circular markings on creatures such as butterflies are effective against predators because they are conspicuous features, not because they mimic the eyes of the predators’ own enemies, according to research published in the journal, Behavioral Ecology. Zoologists based at the University of Cambridge challenge the 150-year-old theory about why these markings are effective against predators.
From the paper Conspicuousness, not eye mimicry, makes "eyespots" effective antipredator signals Martin Stevens, Chloe J. Hardman, and Claire L. StubbinsPublished in Behavioral Ecology, Advanced Access, February 13th 2008
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