Certain animal species, such as the ornate boxfish, have detailed markings. How do these intricate patterns materialize? A team of engineers may have an answer.

There’s a reason fashion designers look to animal prints for inspiration. Creatures have evolved a dizzying array of patterns: stripes, spots, diamonds, chevrons, hexagons and even mazelike designs.

Certain animal species, such as the ornate boxfish, have detailed markings. How do these intricate patterns materialize? A team of engineers may have an answer.