Why do the insects have eyespots on their wings?

Hi guys! welcome to "What's around us"; a blog which speaks on the things found around us has no articles about eyespots? Well, that's not true, as today I will be sharing the message of the reason behind the presence of eyespots on insects. We all might have noticed those colourful butterflies and moths with the big dark blotches or specks on its wings, the insects with small dark spots on their bodies, have you ever thought why these spots could be for? then scroll down to see those dark spots on different insects and its function.

Erbus macropus

Mysore, Karnataka India 

Lemon Pansy, bears numerous eyespots on their wings on the wet season forms.

Melanitis leda bears number of eyespots and black spots on its wings.

Tussar silk moth contains pale yellow eye spots with brown and pink margin.

Luna moth has bright yellow eyespots on its wings

Apart from the moths and butterflies, beetles, bugs, weevils and other insects too have contrasting spots on their bodies.

 

Eyespots are the small coloured spots of on the wings of insects which resembles the eye of an animal. It is also termed as pseudoeyes or ocellus or wing spots. This is present in order to escape itself from the predators. The predators found at the distance gets confused with the prey species and assumes it to be a larger organism, it is a form of self-defence or a warning mechanism. Eyespots are not just for a defence mechanism, but also enhances the beauty of the insects and make them colourful. 

Eyespots are the most interesting and attractive structures found on the insects, it makes the organism very eye catchy and beautiful. Most of these insects' larvae posses eyespots too. Some of the insects, fishes and birds also posses eyespots. Birds like a peacock and owls show prominent eyespots. 

Eyespots are the most delightful things present on the butterflies and moths which protects them from predators. As the eyespots are catchy on the insects, the articles on this blog spot are also interesting. So keep reading what's around us for more such articles which bring out the facts hidden inside the things present around us.