Article
Eyespots deflect predator attack increasing fitness and promoting the evolution of phenotypic plasticity.
Proceedings. Biological sciences - 7 Jan 2015
Prudic Kathleen L, Stoehr Andrew M, Wasik Bethany R, Monteiro Antónia
Abstract excerpt
Some eyespots are thought to deflect attack away from the vulnerable body, yet there is limited empirical evidence for this function and its adaptive advantage. Here, we demonstrate the conspicuous ventral hindwing eyespots found on Bicyclus anynana butterflies protect against invertebrate predators, specifically praying mantids. Wet season (WS) butterflies with larger, brighter eyespots were easier for mantids...
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