Butterfliesare one of the most colorful and vibrant insects found in nature. As they fly,the vivid colors on their wings give off a shining appearance that looksfascinating to the observers. Butterflies use their intense colors forattracting mates, or as a camouflage and warning signal.
Why do Most Butterflies have Such Intense Colors
Butterflies havetwo types of colors, including the structural color and pigmented or ordinarycolor, which come from two different sources.
The first isthe structural color that comes from a specific structure of their wingscreated by the multiple layers of scales that cover the wings. It is because ofthis structure, the structural color shimmers and shifts when an observermoves. This light effect is called iridescence.
The othercolor type is the pigmented color produced by ordinary chemical pigments, whichcan absorb specific wavelengths of light while reflecting the others. Thecolors you see are the wavelengths of light that are reflected.
Interesting Facts
- Thediet of caterpillars affects the color of the chrysalis. It is because the chemicalspresent in flowers, seeds, and leaves influence the color of butterflychrysalis.
- Adult Monarch butterflies have a distinctive orange color and pattern, which servesas a warning signal to predators that it is toxic or distasteful.
