In some cases a wing margin dot pattern might deter a predator by resembling a larva it considers unpalatable, chemically protected or capable of shedding irritating hairs. In others, the pattern might attract a predator that does not associate the pattern with a warning.
This material is from Darryl Wheye and Paul R. Ehrlich's 2015 article, Are there caterpillars on butterfly wings? (News of the Lepidopterists' Society, Winter, Vol. 57(4) pp. 182-193). It is presented here so you can click on the photos of the adults (and the Battus philenor larva) for larger images.
1 ♀ Danaus plexippus plexippus
(Monarch)
© 2011 Andrew D. Warren
(Monarch)
© 2011 Andrew D. Warren
Wing with larval overlay
This example is from our text. The resemblance is not with a Monarch larva, but with a Battus philenor (Pipevine Swallowtail) larva. (-->)
Note the double dotted pattern is seen on both fore- and hindwings.
The larva was isolated from the background in the photograph (right) and modified to show the resemblance with the wing margin pattern (left).
Note the double dotted pattern is seen on both fore- and hindwings.
The larva was isolated from the background in the photograph (right) and modified to show the resemblance with the wing margin pattern (left).
© 2008 Wanda Smith
