In an experiment to help determine why zebras have stripes, researches from the University of Bristol and the University of California dressed horses in black- and – white striped coats. From a distance, the files were equally attracted to both horses and zebras. But when the flies got closer, they landed less frequently on the zebras and the horses in striped coats, tending to fly past or bump into them.
This indicates that stripes set up an optical illusion that disrupts the expected pattern of movement the fly experiences as it approaches the zebra, preventing it from landing properly. The stripes dazzle flies in some way once they are close enough to see them with their low-resolution eyes, thus offering protection from blood-sucking insects that can spread disease.
The insights have broader implications for technology such as driverless cars, which are inspired by insect vision. If stripes disrupt a fly, they might also disrupt a driverless car’s systems.
Picture Credit : Google