News Animals

Butterflies may lose their ‘tails’ like lizards

The spindly parts seem to be a magnet for birds and may break off easily, facilitating escape

yellow and black sail swallowtail butterfly on a pink flower

The sail swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) has tail-like projections on its hind wings that may divert attacking birds away from the butterfly’s vital parts.

Caroline Gauvin/Moment/Getty Images Plus

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

On some butterfly wings, “tails” may be more than just elegant adornments.