Did You Know Butterflies Are Legally Blind?

Butterfly Vision

As you can see, what butterflies and most insects see is something that is less sharp than humans can see. This is why we say that by human standards, they are legally blind. Butterflies can also see some colors humans cannot.

human vs insect

The world looks different to a butterfly. What they see is different than what humans see. (illustration by Michael Hagelberg)

Visit our page on the colors animals see to learn more about color vision in animals.


Additional images provided by Challiyil Eswaramangalath Vipin from Wikimedia Commons.

View Citation

Could butterfly vision and their amazing patterns and colors be related?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

Share this page:

 

Share to Google Classroom