Flies eyes

Great shots Werner, and a subject that I've really been interested in. As I've watched dragonflies pupating, I can't detect the eye facets at first, but then a few hours later when all the colors fill in, and their exoskeleton hardens, they can see a mosquito flying maybe 10' away, then have the ability to fly over and catch it in mid-flight. It's amazing that they can see almost 360 x 360, and unable to blink.

I heard on NPR recently a study about why Zebras had stripes. There have been lots of theories about camo or confusing their predators. But in this study, someone noticed that when zebras and horses were corralled together, the horses were really bothered by biting flies, but the zebras were not. They did a test by painting some of the horses to look like zebras, which gave them protection too. I think the conclusion was that there was some confusing perception from the overlapping view of the facets.

You know, the closer I/we look, the more I learn, but the more questions I have.

Thanks Keith. It's very interesting what nature has to offer ... and we (or is it just me ) know so little.

Nice eyes Werner.

Brian V.

Thanks Brian.