What specific disease vectors are implicated in the parasite deterrence hypothesis for zebra stripes?
Answer
Tsetse flies and horseflies
A significant and more recently emphasized hypothesis regarding zebra striping focuses on parasite deterrence. Research indicates that biting flies, specifically identified as tsetse flies and horseflies, exhibit a strong avoidance behavior toward striped surfaces compared to solid-colored coats. The stripes appear to confuse the insects' visual systems, interfering with their ability to successfully land. Since these flies are vectors for debilitating diseases, selection pressure exerted by the risk of disease transmission likely favored the evolution and maintenance of this highly conspicuous coat pattern.
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