Reminder to tiger beetles: If you chase prey at high speeds, you'll go blind. Entomologists have long noticed that tiger beetles stop-and-go in their pursuit of prey. But until now, scientists have had no idea why this type of beetle attacks its food in fits and starts.
It’s kind of similar to why cats have such sensitive whiskers. The optics in their eyes are in such a way that they can’t actually focus on anything within about 20 or so cm of their face (tradeoff for better eyesight at other distances), so when actually catching their prey, their eyes don’t do much and it’s almost entirely based on their tactile senses. Also, ever noticed that a cat will just not be able to find a treat thrown right to their feet? This is why.
It’s kind of similar to why cats have such sensitive whiskers. The optics in their eyes are in such a way that they can’t actually focus on anything within about 20 or so cm of their face (tradeoff for better eyesight at other distances), so when actually catching their prey, their eyes don’t do much and it’s almost entirely based on their tactile senses. Also, ever noticed that a cat will just not be able to find a treat thrown right to their feet? This is why.
Yup, can definitely confirm this with my cats. :)