Eye spots are common in butterflies. Do they really deter predation by birds? Do they have another adaptive function or are they in many species merely a non-adaptive genetic tag end?
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That’s an excellent point of discussion, @GilesR!
As far as I understand, the eyes in the wings aren’t primarily designed to deter predators; instead, they serve to reduce predation mortality. By making more visible parts of their bodies that they can survive without, they enhance their chances of survival.
In fact, I find the little tails that hairstreaks have even more intriguing. These tails mimic antennae, and many species even rub them against each other when they feel threatened, making them even more appealing to predators.