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Scales play an important part in the natural history of Lepidoptera. Scales enable the development of vivid or indistinct patterns which help the organism protect itself by camouflage, mimicry, and warning. Besides providing insulation, dark patterns on wings allow sunlight to be absorbed and are probably involved in thermoregulation.
A notable example are the Lepidoptera, the insect order comprising moths and butterflies, which have scales on their wings and on the head, parts of the thorax and abdomen, and parts of the genitalia. The name is derived from Ancient Greek λεπίδος (scale) and πτερόν (wing). [1]
Moths have larger scales on their wings which makes them look more dense and fluffy. Butterflies on the other hand possess fine scales. This difference is possibly due to the need for moths to conserve heat during the cooler nights, or to confound echolocation by bats, whereas butterflies are able to absorb sunlight .
Closeup of the scales of the same specimen. High magnification of the coloured scales (probably a different species). Electron microscopic images: A patch of wing: Scales close up: A single scale: Microstructure of a scale: Magnification: Approx. ×50 Approx. ×200 ×1000 ×5000
Thus, the colors appear to vary with viewing angle, but they are surprisingly uniform, perhaps due to the tetrahedral (diamond-like) structural arrangement of the scales or diffraction from overlying cell layers. The wide-angle blue reflection property can be explained by exploring the nanostructures in the scales of the morpho butterfly wings. [9]
An Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly, South Carolina’s state butterfly, takes off from a wildflower. PHIL COALE/AP Females for this species can be identified in two different forms.
Many species are brightly coloured and include popular species such as the emperors, monarch butterfly, admirals, tortoiseshells, and fritillaries. However, the under wings are, in contrast, often dull and in some species look remarkably like dead leaves, or are much paler, producing a cryptic effect that helps the butterflies blend into their ...
The article and quiz, developed with the author Kasley Killam and based on her book "The Art and Science of Connection," explores how people can be one of four types of friends: Butterfly: A ...