Butterfly wingscale detail Science Image

Ref: 80200191



Butterfly wing scale. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a scale and its wing attachment from the underside of a wing of a blue morpho (Morpho peleides) butterfly. In contrast to the metalic iridescent scales of the upper surface of Morpho butterflies, these scales are a dull brown derived from coloured pigments and not by structural interference. Magnification: x2680 when printed 10 centimetres wide.