Butterfly Wing Scale

Description

Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) of progressive increased magnifications of a wing scale from a Morpho sp. butterfly, with a fractured cross-section at right. Increased detail of the ridges that form the upper surface of a butterfly wing scale, and the support structures below, are seen. The ridges have a laminate (layered) structure that causes the interference that produces the metallic iridescence and sheen seen on a butterfly’s wing. Magnifications, from left to right: x890, x1,800, x6,800, 16,800 and x23,00 when printed at 10 centimetres tall. (Photo by Science Photo Library)