News Animals

Zebra stripes may be mainly defense against flies

Fur pattern’s function not for camouflage or cooling, researchers find

POWER STRIPES  An unusual head-to-head test of ideas about the function of zebra stripes finds little support for some cherished old notions and only one winner: defense against biting flies.

Caro et al.

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Protection from flies best explains the function of zebra stripes, says a new analysis.