Eyespot

Eyespots are markings on an insect, usually on the surface of the fore or hind wings, that resemble a mammalian eye. They usually consist of two or more concentric circles with a dark centre representing the pupil of a mammal's eye. Eyespots are used to scare off potential predators by making the insect appear to be part of a much larger organism.

In some species the eyespots are concealed when at rest but can be 'flashed' at a predator in an attempt to scare them away.

A photograph of the Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellata) showing the bright eyespots on the hind wings.
Photograph by Algirdas.

Other names for (or types of) Eyespot include:

• False eye

Related terms

• Aposematism
• Batesian mimicry
• Mimicry
• Mullerian mimicry
• Thanatosis

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

Related pages on this web site

• Make your own Eyed hawkmoth

See other words beginning with E