![]() The iridescence is caused by multiple slit interference. The scales overlap like roof tiles and completely cover the membrane, appearing as dust to the naked eye. Each scale is a flattened outgrowth of a single cell and is about 100 µm long and 50 µm wide. The wings of butterflies and moths consist of a colorless translucent membrane covered by a layer of scales (the name of the order is Lepidoptera, meaning "scaly wings"). Scales from the top and bottom of a Morpho wing Pilots flying over the rain forest can occasionally see brief flashes of blue as these butterflies travel above the forest canopy. Their iridescence stems from the microscopic structure of their wings. The males have beautiful metallic blue upper wings, while the females are drab. The Morpho butterflies are among the largest in the world, with a wingspan of 7.5 to 20 cm. Variations in the spacing of the pattern often gives rise to an iridescent effect, as seen in peacock feathers, soap bubbles, films of oil, and mother-of-pearl, because the reflected color depends upon the angle of view. Structural color is responsible for the colors of the feathers of many birds (including the blue jay, hummingbirds and pheasants), as well as certain butterfly wings and beetle shells. They arise from the arrangement of physical structures interacting with light to produce a particular color. Structural colors are created by an optical effect (such as interference, refraction, or diffraction) rather than by a pigment. Yet, the delicate beauty of iridescent butterfly wings belies their intricate structure and functionality as the perfect foil for predators. This brilliant blue butterfly can be found in the rain forests of South America (Brazil & Guyana).īutterflies have fascinated humankind for millennia, and have been interpreted in a variety of ways, from omens of love to personifications of the soul. ![]() ![]() Blue Morpho butterfly ( Morpho menelaus). ![]()
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