Nature Knows Best: Why Zebra Stripes are Key to Fly Protection
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Have you ever wondered how zebras got their stripes? Far from just looking cool, this unique black and white pattern is key for survival. Research shows that a zebra’s stripes reduce the number of flies landing on them. If your horse is bothered by flies, nature could already have the answer for a happier time this summer – no actual zebras needed.
Why do Zebras have Stripes?
The function of a zebra’s stripes has long been of interest to scientists. Originally, it was thought that the stripes offered benefits including camouflage to confuse predators, social interaction and temperature regulation.
However, as zebras are often targeted by lions it appears that zebras don’t have the type of striped pattern that confuses predators. There is no evidence of increased social interaction through grooming between striped or non-striped equines either.
Stripes also don’t show any benefits in terms of temperature regulation based on controlled experiments. As such, the latest research now indicates that the main purpose of the stripes is to prevent flies carrying deadly diseases from landing on zebras.
How do Zebra Stripes Deter Flies?
A study was carried out in the UK to study the behaviour of flies around zebras. Hill Farm Livery has both horses and captive zebras which allowed the scientists to closely monitor not only the zebras but horses too. The flies bothered all the horses and zebras equally, but seemed unable to make a controlled landing onto the zebras’ coats. The high contrast between the black and white stripes seems to confuse the flies up close. Not realising they should be about to land, the flies came in too quickly and were unable to successfully make contact with the zebra’s coat. The result is that whilst zebras were still approached by lots of flies very few actually landed on them.
What does this mean for Horse Fly Protection?
You might be thinking, that’s great that zebras suffer less from flies landing on them but what about my horse? Well, the study also looked at how flies interact with horses wearing a zebra stripe rug so they could exclude the possibility of their results being influenced by the zebras themselves, rather than just their stripes. The scientists found that the striped rugs significantly decreased the rate of flies landing on them, compared to the horses wearing a solid coloured rug or none at all.
The horses wearing the zebra rug did suffer the same number of fly landings on their naked heads though. This suggests that the zebra stripes only protect from landings on the immediate area. Fortunately, there are several fly protection products on the market inspired by nature’s fly defence: zebra stripes. If your horse is particularly bothered by flies, a zebra stripe fly rug and mask could significantly reduce the number of flies landing on them, leading to a happier horse in the summer months.
Here are some of the zebra style fly products on the market...
Shires Equestrian ZEB-TEK Range
“Inspired by nature and informed by science.”
The ZEB-TEK range refers to the zebra stripe pattern as ‘monochromatic technology’ and includes:
Tempest Original ZEB-TEK Fly Combo Rug
• Lightweight, breathable fabric – great for warmer days
• Adjustable cross surcingles
• Blocks 80% of UV radiation
• Covers full face
• Ergonomically shaped and sits clear of the eyes
• Fleece seams for comfort and to reduce gaps
• Airstream fabric blocks biting insects and midges
• 70%+ average UV blocking
• Elasticated poll and two straps for a great fit
Bucas Buzz Off Zebra Range
Bucas has a comprehensive range of zebra fly protection products:
• Full body protection
• Belly pad and large tail flap
• Elasticated browband keeps the neck piece in place whilst the horse grazes
• Waterproof version of the original fly rug – great for rainy days!
• Breathable, waterproof upper section
• Sun reflective colour to reduce risk of overheating
• Specially placed darts keep the mask away from the horse’s eyes
• Adjustable elasticated strap
• Easily fits around the saddle
• Perfect for fly protection whilst riding
• Sure to get some attention whilst riding – your horse will look like Racing Stripes!
Tough-1 Zebra Range
Tough-1 offers affordable fly protection from head to hoof:
• Lightweight fabric
• Adjustable surcingles and leg straps
• Fleece edging for ultimate comfort
• Mesh fabric to protect against flies
• “Quick grip” closure makes it easy to put on or off
• Protect the legs from flies and biting insects
• Fleece edging for ultimate comfort
• 3 “quick grip” closure for bespoke fit
It seems that nature truly knows best when it comes to fly protection. Thanks to the confusing effect black and white stripes have on flies, your horse can benefit from fewer bothersome flies landing on them. Take advantage of the fly protection products inspired by nature and let your horse be a zebra in disguise. Will you be trying out some zebra stripes on your horse?
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