Butterflies may lose their ‘tails’ like lizards
The spindly parts seem to be a magnet for birds and may break off easily, facilitating escape
![yellow and black sail swallowtail butterfly on a pink flower](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/061022_jb_butterfly-tails_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
The sail swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) has tail-like projections on its hind wings that may divert attacking birds away from the butterfly’s vital parts.
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