While previous studies have suggested that zebras' black and white patterning may have an optical illusionary effect on flies, the researchers found 'little evidence' for this in their study. 'This suggests that any hoofed animal that reduces its overall dark outline against the sky will benefit in terms of reduced ectoparasite attack,' Professor Caro added. In a follow-up experiment, the researchers found that contrasting stripes attracted few flies, while insects flocked to more homogeneous stripes. Meanwhile, coats with small checkerboard patterns attracted the fewest flies. The results revealed that the grey coat attracted the most horseflies 'by far', followed by coats with large black triangles.
The results revealed that coats with small checkerboard patterns attracted the fewest flies They then waited to see which of these fabrics attracted the most horseflies. The researchers draped horses in fabrics with different patterns, including check, random check, black triangle, white triangle, grey and bark. 'So we set out to explore these issues using different patterned cloths draped over horses and filmed incoming horseflies.' 'The polarized signal that can be given off objects? 'Is it the thinness of the stripes? The contrast of black and white? Professor Tim Caro, co-author of the study, said: 'We knew that horseflies are averse to landing on striped objects - a number of studies have now shown this, but it is not clear which aspects of stripes they find aversive. In the study, the researchers set out to test how horseflies react to zebras' thinly striped and sharply outlined fur. Scientists believe zebras' monochrome design may have evolved to deter pesky horsefliesĪs the name suggests, the horsefly is a type of fly that is a notorious pest of horses and other mammals.
0 kommentar(er)
