Madagascan day moth wing. Macrophotograph of an eyespot on the wing of a Madagascan day moth (Chrysiridia madagascarensis). The bright colouration on
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.
Size: 2912px × 4368px
Photo credit: © DR KEITH WHEELER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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