Madagascan Day Moth Wing
by Science Photo Library
Title
Madagascan Day Moth Wing
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Madagascan day moth wing. Macrophotograph of an eyespot on the wing of a Madagascan day moth (Chrysiridia madagascarensis). The bright colouration on the wing is not due to pigmentation, but the diffraction of light by microstructures on the scales. The microstructures, struts and ridges, are made from chitin, a common protein in insect exoskeletons. The moth wing has a greater refractive index than air, causing a boundary where the two meet. Some light rays will pass through this boundary, while others will reflect from it. Interference between the rays causes the different colours.
Uploaded
October 31st, 2019
Embed
Share
Similar Subjects
Similar Images
Comments
There are no comments for Madagascan Day Moth Wing. Click here to post the first comment.
Recently Viewed
