The superb ability of the nettle butterfly to defend against enemies (confuse vision)

Hidden colors can be combined with patterns, wing shapes and resting states to enhance the camouflage effect. The most noticeable distinguishing feature of a butterfly at rest is the triangular outline of its wings. Often additional patterns can be found throughout the hidden color, which serve to obliterate the outline of the wing or disrupt its overall shape. The nettle butterfly is an example of both patterns. The brown color on the underside of its wings is similar to that of dead leaves, and its wing edges are alternately arranged between dark and light brown, thus visually destroying the clear boundaries of the wing edges. In addition, the base of its wings is dark brown, which suddenly changes to light yellowish brown at the tips of the wings. When it is at rest, different patterns disrupt the characteristic contours of the wing. The pattern itself is also very eye-catching, thus attracting the attention of predators (observers), but making it difficult to detect the overall appearance of the butterfly.

This destructive pattern can be part of the hidden color, or it can be the main form of protective color. For hidden colors, the butterfly is protected because it is difficult to detect because it is similar to the color of the environment; for destructive colors, the animal can be seen, but cannot identify what it is. Both strategies are effective in protecting butterflies from predators.

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