We interrupt our regular schedule to bring you breaking news: beware the butterfly.
Two Internet videos have recently gone viral showing savage attacks on two individuals by a swarm of butterflies destroying the commonly held belief they are largely passive creatures. Unfortunately, Qualcomm finds itself at the heart of this controversy following a break-in at its mirasol display research center in San Jose last month.
Two men – a ‘Mr Lewis’ and ‘Mr Dodgeson’ – got away with prototypes based around the mirasol’s ‘Interferometric MODulation technology’ and were promptly attacked by the butterflies.
“This nature based technology mimics the way butterflies’ wings reflect light in order to make mobile display more energy efficient and readable in direct sunlight,” explained Qualcomm’s mirasol display’s spokeswoman Cheryl K. Goodman.
“It appears the vivid colours and very particular reflective qualities of the mirasol prototypes triggered this aggression,” said entomologist Dante Manscup. “Current mirasol displays are completely safe. I have personally taken a new mirasol display prototype into a butterfly tent armed with nothing but my wits and came out unscathed. If a butterfly lands on you do not attempt to fight it. Slowly assume the foetal position and wait for it to lose interest. It is commonly known that the butterfly is the only living creature with no heart. Take that as you will.”
Qualcomm did not reveal whether these displays have yet been recovered, and advises the public remain on high alert. It has also setup a Facebook group offering survival tips in an attempt to avoid widespread panic.
Footage of both butterflies attacks can be found here and here, but viewer discretion is advised. (We add our commendation to PCWorld for recognizing the inherent news value of this type of citizen journalism.)
Until we can bring you more, please remember Mr Manscup’s warning: Beware the probiscis.
Gordon
