Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 11 h ago, last 56 min ago, peak #3

Butterfly wings create barber-pole motion illusions, study finds

Original: 🦋 NEW: # Butterfly wings create barbershop-pole style motion # illusions as they deform during flapping, shifting stripe

Researchers simulating nearly 400 European butterfly species found that wings deform during flapping, producing barber-shop-pole style motion illusions. Stripe angles on the wings shift as they flex, potentially confusing predators about the insect's true speed and direction. The effect appears widespread across species, suggesting it may be an evolved defensive trait rather than a coincidence.

Why now: A new study reveals an unexpected visual illusion mechanism in butterfly flight, intriguing both scientists and nature enthusiasts.

butterfliesEuropean butterfly speciespredators

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Evidence

• 🦋 NEW: # Butterfly wings create barbershop-pole style motion # illusions as they deform during flapping, shifting stripe angles and confusing # predators about speed and direction. Simulations of nearly 400 European species showed the effect is widespread, touchscreen… · tksst@fediscience.org · 7

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