Abstract
A combination of colour and polarized reflections helps them to choose oviposition sites. Light can be described by its intensity, spectral distribution and polarization, and normally a visual system analyses these independently to extract the maximum amount of information1. Here I present behavioural evidence that this does not happen in butterflies, whose choice of oviposition substrate on the basis of its colour2 appears to be strongly influenced by the direction of polarization of the light reflected from the substrate. To my knowledge, this is the first record of ‘false’ colours being perceived as a result of light polarization. This detection of false colours may help butterflies to find optimal oviposition sites.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.