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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Insect "Eyespots" Don't Mimic Eyes, Study Says


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Two owl butterflies with eyespots sit on a tree branch.

Scientists have long thought eyelike patterns on the wings of butterflies and moths are meant to protect the insects from being eaten, but a new study shows it's the vivid markings alone that deter predators.

Photograph by Jeff Foott/Discovery Channel Images