Study: Zebra Stripes Deter Horseflies

According to a recent study, a coat pattern with numerous narrow stripes deteres horseflies from landing.
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Zebra stripes might soon be the new hot fashion in summer equine wear. Printed on rugs and sheets, ear covers, and leg wraps, it could be attractive to everyone.

Everyone, that is, except horseflies.

That’s because, according to a recent study by Hungarian and Swedish researchers, horseflies–known to scientists as tabanids–find zebra stripes incredibly unappealing. And the thinner and more numerous the stripes, the more the flies are deterred from landing on the animal.

"We conclude that zebras have evolved a coat pattern in which the stripes are narrow enough to ensure a minimum attractiveness to tabanid flies," said Gabor Horvath, PhD, researcher at the Environmental Optics Laboratory in the Department of Biological Physics at Eotvos University, in Budapest, and chief author of the study

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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