The shapes found on living things were formed for various reasons in the evolutionary process, and even in this process spanning millions of years, the patterns on some species resembled objects such as eyes and flowers.
The patterns on the transparent wings of these fruit flies in the Goniurellia genus of the Tephritidae family are one of the most striking examples of evolution in this regard.
Known since 1910, this species is commonly found in the Near and Middle East, Europe and Asia.
These flies, which live in a wide variety of habitats, are mostly found in meadows and gardens in cities. Adults average 3-4mm long, so it’s a fairly small species.
How could the ant-like insect shape on a fly’s wings have emerged?
This is where evolution comes in. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to have developed as a defense mechanism against predators. When they sense a threat, they can spread their wings and appear more intimidating, thus confusing the predator.
Since the probability of survival of those with this shape will increase for generations, it is thought that the next generations will also have this shape. This shape is not found in every member of the species. In some, even a spider shape can appear.
This defense mechanism can also make the fly attractive to potential mates.
This aesthetically pleasing wing design can be attractive to females with a mating dance. The more realistic the picture on the wing, the greater the chances of survival and reproduction. Thus, this unique trait will be passed on from generation to generation.
The eye-like shapes on the wings of butterflies are the result of a similar mechanism.
Some butterfly species, which can scare away their predators momentarily thanks to the owl-eye shape on their wings, are the most well-known of such adaptations.
So why don’t these types of shapes appear in all types?
These features do not emerge suddenly, but in a process that takes millions of years. In addition to the genetic distribution of each population, the factors affecting them are very different from each other. Therefore, different responses to similar problems may occur.
Next time you complain about tiny bugs flying around your apartment, don’t see them as pests, look at them as evolutionary art.
References: 1, 2, 3, 4
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