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Butterfly wing scale
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Butterfly wing scale
Butterfly wing scale. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a scale from the underside of a wing of a blue morpho (Morpho peleides) butterfly. Layers of wing scales are transparent but tiny ridges on the scales break up and reflect light to give the scales their shimmering iridescent appearance. Magnification: x2680 when printed 10 centimetres wide
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9194807
© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Blue Morpho Bottom Butterfly Entomological Insecta Iridescence Iridescent Scale Underneath Underside Wing Morpho Peleides
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of a butterfly wing scale. The image, captured using a scanning electron microscope, reveals the mesmerizing details found on the underside of a blue morpho butterfly's wing. Each scale is transparent, but it possesses tiny ridges that break up and reflect light, resulting in its shimmering iridescent appearance. The magnified view offers an opportunity to appreciate the complexity of nature's design. The delicate layers of scales create a stunning pattern reminiscent of an otherworldly mosaic. This close-up shot highlights the remarkable biology and anatomy present in even the smallest creatures. The vibrant blue hue characteristic of the blue morpho species is particularly striking in this photograph. It serves as a reminder of nature's ability to produce breathtaking colors and patterns that captivate our senses. This image not only celebrates the beauty found within insect fauna but also provides valuable insights into entomology and zoological studies. Scientists can study these minute structures to better understand how they contribute to iridescence and their role in attracting mates or providing camouflage for survival. In summary, this extraordinary print invites us into a world unseen by our naked eyes—a realm where microscopic details become works of art. It reminds us to marvel at nature's ingenuity while inspiring further exploration into its mysteries.
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