HOW DOES A BUTTERFLY PROTECT ITSELF?
Butterflies fly in a jerky, haphazard pattern that makes it hard for birds to catch them. Even when found, they still get away by leaving part of their wings in the bird's beak.
Secondly, although they see only nearby objects, their compound eyes are sensitive to movements. Butterflies fly away at the slightest sense of danger.
Thirdly, because they feed on poisonous plants during their larval stage, most brightly colored butterflies—such as the monarch butterfly—taste bitter to birds. Once a bird catches a butterfly and experiences its nasty taste, the bird doesn’t tamper with it again.
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