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Researchers from Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia have made a fascinating discovery regarding the forewings of the fruit-sucking moth (Eudocima aurantia). Though appearing crumpled like a leaf, these wings are actually flat.
Leading the study were Dr. Annie Jessop and Professor Gerd Schröder-Turk from Murdoch’s School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics, along with Dr. Jennifer Kelley from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences. Their findings, which also include contributions from colleagues at the University of Salzburg in Austria, were published today in the journal Current Biology.
The researchers noted that the moth expertly mimics the three-dimensional shape and colors of a leaf, utilizing specialized nanostructures present on its wings.
“These nanostructures create a shiny surface that replicates the highlights typical of a smooth and curved leaf,” explained Dr. Jessop.
She further elaborated that both structural and pigmentary coloration contribute to the leaf-like brown hues, with the moth taking advantage of thin-film reflectors to generate directional reflections, effectively creating the illusion of a three-dimensional leaf shape.
The fruit-sucking moth is primarily found in northern Queensland and southeastern Asia. This intriguing discovery arose during visits to the London Natural History Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of moths in the world.
“It’s fascinating that the nanostructures responsible for the shiny appearance are located only on sections of the wing that would simulate curvature if the wing were indeed a leaf,” noted Dr. Kelley.
She added that this finding suggests the moths are leveraging the way predators perceive three-dimensional shapes to enhance their camouflage, a strategy that is quite remarkable.
Dr. Kelley pointed to numerous examples in nature of animals and insects that disguise themselves as mundane objects. From fish that imitate leaves to butterfly pupae that resemble bird droppings, there are many such cases across the animal kingdom.
“What sets this moth apart,” Dr. Kelley said, “is its ability to create the illusion of a three-dimensional object despite being nearly flat. This represents a novel aspect of our research.”
She explained that this type of mimicry likely functions as a camouflage mechanism, helping predators mistakenly identify the moth as an unsuitable target for consumption.
This discovery continues a line of research from these scientists, who previously identified another moth in the same group exhibiting shape-shifting patterns on its wings, further underscoring the complexity and ingenuity of natural adaptations in moths.
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