Journal Paper Report

1) Authors of paper: Sebastiano De Bona, Janne K. Valkonen, Andrés López-Sepulcre

and Johanna Mappes

Year: 2015

Title: Predator mimicry, not conspicuousness, explains the efficacy of butterfly

eyespots

Journal name: Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Volume Number: 282

Page numbers: 1-7

2) The authors’ objective was directed at the eyespots present in butterflies, to devise a
conclusion on whether their predatory mimicry or observable appearance is
responsible for their efficacy.

3) The experimental method was conducted at a research station. The first step of the
method delt with predator isolation, where wild great tits were captured and organized
based on different characteristics. Following this, a series of images where produced,
which reflected varying eyespots, similar to owl’s eyes, natural and modified butterfly
eyespots. The great tits were then used as a model predator, where they were placed
into a cage which resembled a housing cage with a modified floor accommodating a
computer monitor, allowing the researchers to evaluate the way they reacted upon
viewing the images on the display.

4) The primary discovery of this experiment provided evidence owing responsibility to

the eye-mimicry hypothesis for the efficacy of the eyespots and not the
conspicuousness. This finding was important as it birthed the idea that the eye-
mimicry is an important mechanism responsible for the evolution of butterfly
eyespots. Furthermore, it allowed for further experimentation to determine what time
to eyespot is more successful. Eye-mimicry results in predator intimidation, allowing
the prey to secure their survival. It has been revealed that the smaller eyespots,
 moderately dispersed, can deflect attacks butterflies in such circumstances, therefore
providing them with an opportunity to escape with a broken wing. It has also been
suggested by evolutionary development that adaptive forces shape the evolution eye
spots.

5) The authors were mostly successful in answering their hypothesis. This is due to
slight inconsistency in results obtained due to differences in the experimental set up.
Eyespots checked on artificial paper prey are simple black so, resemblance to a
predator eye is far from what is accomplished by real eyespots. The three-dimensional
illusion achieved by the sparkle mark however has proven to be significant and the
basic appearance of paper model restricts the interpretability of the findings. In
addition to this, the nature of predator-prey interactions allows for a sudden
appearance of these eyespots and results in an increase of the butterfly’s intimidating
effect. While being unable to replicate the sparkle mark on the paper model they were
able to mirror the element of abruptness (Kodandaramaiah 2011). Due to this, results
would not have an accurate reflection of should occur.

6) In a follow up study, I would investigate the extent to which the appearance of the
eyespots size along distribution on the butterfly’s wing impact predator intimidation.
Firstly, the predator (great tits) would have to be isolated from its natural habitat by
executing a simple bird trap. A sample size of approximately 20 birds would be
sufficient to conduct this experiment as it would allow for a more accurate result.
Following this, a computer would then be used to create 3D models of eyespots on
butterflies varying from small to medium to larger. After this, a 3D printer would be
used acquire these models, attaching them to a stick. Subsequently, a bird would then
be placed into a box made from plexiglass large enough ensuring that the bird is
comfortable. The bird’s attention would be directed in a specific direction be using a
worm lure. When its attention has be captured the model of the eyespots on the
butterfly would be moved into the birds view and observations would be recorded.
This process would be repeated using varying models and replacing the bird. After a
conclusion has been developed, the birds would be released into their natural
environment.
 7) Analysing this journal article was quite intriguing. My favourite part of this
assessment was that it provided an insight for butterflies’ appearance. Furthermore, it
provided information on how a journal paper should be constructed. The creativeness
of the execution of the experiment was quite interesting. The most challenging aspect
of this experiment was reading and interpreting the information.

8) References
De Bona, Sebastiano, Janne Valkonen, Andres Lopez-Sepulcre, and Johanna Mappes. 2015.
"Predator Mimicry, Not Conspicuousness, Explains The Efficacy Of Butterfly Eyespots |
Proceedings Of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences". Royalsocietypublishing.Org.
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2015.0202.
Kodandaramaiah, Ullasa. 2011. "The Evolutionary Significance Of Butterfly
Eyespots". Behavioral Ecology.
https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/22/6/1264/219990.