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Butterfly Eyespots: Their Potential Influence on Aesthetic Preferences and Conservation Attitudes

Posted by lissacoffey on 08 Feb 2016 at 06:35 GMT

However, it is less clear whether eye-like stimuli could also be used as a tool for nature conservation. Several animal species, including butterflies, develop eye-like markings that are known as eyespots. In the present research, we explored whether the mere display of eyespots on butterfly wings can enhance: (a) liking for a butterfly species, and (b) attitudes and behaviors towards conservation of a butterfly species. Four online experimental studies, involving 613 participants, demonstrated that eyespots significantly increased liking for a butterfly species.
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No competing interests declared.