Optical illusions can easily confuse the mind, no matter how hard we try to avoid being tricked. They work because of the way our brain interprets what our eyes see, sometimes creating surprising or misleading results. One recent illusion that has puzzled the internet shows six girls sitting on a couch — yet only five pairs of legs are visible. So where did the “missing” legs go? According to the Queensland Brain Institute, optical illusions occur when the brain and eyes miscommunicate, leading to mixed interpretations of what is actually seen.

Our brains are especially sensitive to patterns and movement, a survival skill developed long ago, but this can sometimes cause visual confusion. The viral image, shared widely online, appears to show one girl without legs, sparking debate and curiosity among viewers trying to solve the mystery.

Many people studied the photo closely, searching for clues hidden in the arrangement of the girls. One explanation suggests that the second girl from the left has her legs positioned behind the first girl’s legs, making them difficult to see. Because of the overlapping positions and similar clothing, the legs blend together, creating the illusion that one pair is missing.

Another observer broke it down further, noting that one girl’s crossed legs and another’s partially hidden position contribute to the visual confusion. When viewed carefully, all six girls do indeed have legs — they are simply arranged in a way that tricks the eye.
Did you spot the solution?