011 Plains zebra eye close-up in Etosha National Park Photo by Giles Laurent

A CLOSER LOOK

Plains zebra eye close-up in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Zebra stripes may help reduce the number of biting insects, particularly flies, by creating visual patterns that are less attractive to them. Studies suggest that the black-and-white pattern confuses insects, such as tsetse flies and horseflies, making it harder for them to land on zebras. This could be an evolutionary advantage, as it helps protect zebras from parasitic insects that can carry diseases. Photography presented in black and white to better showcase the zebra stripes.

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