# Opinion: Butterflies and the Illusion of Camouflage

https://theness.com/neurologicablog/butterflies-are-masters-of-illusion/

Stephen J Gould critiques Abbott Handerson Thayer's theory that all animal coloration is cryptic. Butterflies show both camouflaged undersides and brightly colored tops. These colors may serve mating purposes, but could have other functions too.

Publisher: NeuroLogica Blog — Opinion / commentary.

Image: http://theness.com/neurologicablog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/butterfly.jpg

Image: https://theness.com/neurologicablog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/butterfly-600x525.jpg

#butterflies #coloration #camouflage #animals

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Canonical URL: https://qwibbit.com/q8777

Created: 2026-10-17T08:26:45.319202+00:00

Last edited: 2026-10-17T08:26:45.319202+00:00

Board: 3

Origin: Syndicated

Original source: https://theness.com/neurologicablog/butterflies-are-masters-of-illusion/