Researchers filmed butterflies at over 1,000 frames per second. The results suggest butterfly wings aren’t just pretty; they’re optical illusions
Researchers shot butterflies taking off in super slo-mo and found the patterned wings may actually be an optical illusion to make predators miss
Optical illusions discovered in butterfly wings may help these creatures evade predators. Scientists from the University of Essex and the University of Exeter in England utilized high-speed cameras to record butterflies taking off from a green-screen backdrop at speeds exceeding 1,000 frames per second. The team observed five butterfly species and analyzed the motion of their wings at 1,057 fps.
Upon examining the footage through a computer model that simulates bird vision, researchers noticed that the butterflies' wing patterns create an illusion, similar to the barber pole illusion. Despite birds moving upwards, the wing patterns give the illusion of downward motion, potentially confusing predators. The study focused on seven distinct wing patterns, including variations between male and female butterflies.
The researchers also extended their analysis to 400 European butterfly species, discovering similar patterns capable of creating optical illusions. Additionally, the team used a computer model to generate 50,000 hypothetical wing patterns, which closely resembled actual butterfly species. This research addresses a long-standing question about the purpose of bright colors and patterns on butterfly wings, which usually serve as camouflage when butterflies land.
The study suggests that these patterns are designed to create illusions that make predators miss the butterfly. The findings, published in the journal Nature on September 30, have been peer-reviewed, hinting at potential future research into similar patterns in other animals, such as zebras and birds.
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