Butterfly wing patterns may trick predators with motion illusions
2 hours ago
An orange-tip butterfly rests on clusters of purple lilac flowers, taken in Mareil-Marly, France, on April 21, 2019, in this photograph released on September 30, 2026. Helen Briolat/Handout via REUTERS
A Camberwell beauty butterfly rests on flowering plants, taken in Le Planay, Areches-Beaufort, France, on July 30, 2026, in this photograph released on September 30, 2026. Emmanuelle Briolat/Handout via REUTERS
A European swallowtail butterfly rests on purple lilac in Mareil-Marly, France April 20, 2019, in this handout image released on September 30, 2026. Helen Briolat/Handout via REUTERS
A fritillary butterfly perches on red clover flowers, taken in Le Planay, Areches-Beaufort, France, on July 25, 2026, in this photograph released on September 30, 2026. Emmanuelle Briolat/Handout via REUTERS
A green-veined white butterfly perches on a cluster of purple lilac flowers, taken in Mareil-Marly, France, on April 22, 2019, in this photograph released on September 30, 2026. Helen Briolat/Handout via REUTERS
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Sept 30 : When a bird lunges at a butterfly in mid-flight, it may see something that is not there — the insect's wings flashing beneath may not be moving where they appear to be moving. By the time the predator realizes the illusion, the butterfly already may have escaped.
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