Question

What function might butterfly wings that look like leaves have

Answer 1

The scales form patterns that provide the butterflies with camouflage which helps them hide from predators by easily blending in with the environment. Common forms of butterfly or moth camouflage are wing patterns that resemble leaves or tree bark.

Answer 2

To hide from predators

Explanation: Butterflies with wings that look like leaves are less likely to be eaten by predators, such as small birds like sparrows or finches. An example of a butterfly with leaf like wings is the Indian leaf butterfly (Kallima paralekta). It happens through natural selection, and while on the outside they resemble a dead leaf, on the inside they have a variety of colors like bright oranges, blues, and blacks.