Many butterfly species bear distinct circular markings known as eyespots on their wings, and the functions of these rings of contrasting colors vary. A long-standing theory is that they serve as anti-predator defenses—small eyespots along the wing margin can protect butterflies by directing predators to attack less important parts of the body, such as the hindwings, enabling them to escape.
Click here for original story, Too many forewing eyespots is bad for butterflies
Source: Phys.org