Many butterfly species bear distinct circular markings known as eyespots on their wings, and the functions of these rings of contrasting colours vary.
Many butterfly species bear distinct circular markings known as eyespots on their wings, and the functions of these rings of contrasting colours vary. A long-standing theory is that they serve as anti-predator defences – small eyespots along the wing margin can protect butterflies by directing predators to attack less important parts of the body, such as the hindwings, enabling them to escape.
Most nymphalid family butterflies have half as many eyespots on their forewings compared to their hindwings. In particular, this has been observed in the bush brown butterfly Bicyclus anynana.
Recent research by biologists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) sought to understand the impact of uneven distribution of eyespots. The team, led by Professor Antónia Monteiro from the NUS Department of Biological Sciences, found that the location of these eyespots is key to their protective function.
Read more at: National University of Singapore
NUS doctoral student Ms V Gowri (left) and Research Fellow Dr Ian Chan (right) are part of the research team led by Professor Antónia Monteiro that observed the eyespots on bush brown butterflies. (Photo Credit: National University of Singapore)
