Biting Flies Behind Zebra’s Stripes

Biting Flies Behind Zebra’s Stripes
A team of researchers from the University of California, in their new study, seem to have uncovered the mystery behind the presence of black and white stripes on a zebra‘s body- biting flies. The scientists believe that biting flies such as horseflies and tsetse flies, could be responsible for the development of stripes on the zebra’s body. It was believed that these stripes could help zebras prevent themselves from predators and could also help them avoid ectoparasite attacks.

From camouflage to heat managements- scientists have been speculating of the possible reasons behind the appearance of stripes on a zebra’s body. ”I was amazed by our results,” lead author of the study,Tim Caro, a UC Davis professor of wildlife biology, explained. “Again and again, there was greater striping on areas of the body in those parts of the world where there was more annoyance from biting flies.”

Biting Flies May Have Caused Zebra’s Striped Body

Taking into consideration 7 different species of zebras, the scientists attempted to find out the exact cause behind the striped appearance of the zebras, and found how zebras in particular had shorter hair, and were therefore, more likely to be affected by endoparasite invasions, which causes them to have a striped appearance on their bodies.

However, it’s not over as yet; scientists are yet to find out the reason why biting flies tend to avoid striped surfaces, and what causes them to avoid looking at striped surfaces as their potential prey.wholesale lingerie bra Wholesale Long Dress