Scales on a butterfly wing, SEM

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Scales on a butterfly wing, SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of scales on the wing of a male Morpho butterfly (family: Morphidae) found in Brazil. Here, the tiny overlapping scales that cover the butterfly wing are seen. The male butterfly of Morpho sp. is brightly coloured, in some species an iridescent green or blue. Layers of wing scales are transparent but refract and reflect light of different colours to different extents. This produces a shimmering appearance which is used in the males for sexual attraction. The females are coloured brown. There are about 50 species of Morpho, occurring in South America. Magnification: x45 at 35mm size

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 9240591

© PASIEKA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Butterfly Entomological Insecta Iridescence Iridescent Morpho Aega Neotropic Neotropical Scale Scales Wing

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.