Butterflies use optical illusions to dodge predators
A bird attacking a butterfly will often find its beak snapping at thin air. According to new research, that split-second...
Dr Jolyon Troscianko
Online game reveals secrets of animal camouflage
Scientists have used an online game to discover the secrets of animal camouflage – such as why tigers have stripes....
Artificial nighttime lighting is suppressing moth activity
Moths move significantly less when exposed to artificial nighttime light, new research shows. Moths’ attraction to artificial light, such as...
Camouflaging chameleons look better in black
Despite their image as masters of camouflage, it has long been assumed in science that chameleons change colour to communicate...
‘Cool’ white car headlights more likely to dazzle moths
“Cool” white lights – such as those in modern car headlights – endanger moths by causing them to fly erratically,...
Illusions are in the eye, not the mind
Numerous visual illusions are caused by limits in the way our eyes and visual neurones work – rather than more...
Light pollution confuses coastal woodlouse
Artificial night-time light confuses a colour-changing coastal woodlouse, new research shows. The sea slater is an inch-long woodlouse that lives...