Thursday, July 22, 2010
nationalgeographicmagazine:

Emerald-patched Cattleheart ButterflyImage courtesy Richard Prum The green patches on an emerald-patched Cattleheart butterfly (pictured) are the result of gyroids embedded in the wing scales. “The green color is very similar to the leaves [in the butterfly’s environment], so we think it helps with camouflage,” study co-author Saranathan said. Scientists think the gyroids only form during the butterflies’ cocoon phase, and can’t be replaced once the adult insects emerge from their cases.

nationalgeographicmagazine:

Emerald-patched Cattleheart Butterfly
Image courtesy Richard Prum
The green patches on an emerald-patched Cattleheart butterfly (pictured) are the result of gyroids embedded in the wing scales.
“The green color is very similar to the leaves [in the butterfly’s environment], so we think it helps with camouflage,” study co-author Saranathan said.
Scientists think the gyroids only form during the butterflies’ cocoon phase, and can’t be replaced once the adult insects emerge from their cases.


Notes

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    nationalgeographicmagazine
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  8. ran-dumb-ness reblogged this from nationalgeographicmagazine and added:
    Kirei na.. -mesmerized-
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    really God’s artwork. Perfect!
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  15. delusionaldianne reblogged this from oso-chocolate and added:
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Poor Nancy I’m making it worse xD I love you, girl! I love you!
  16. oso-chocolate reblogged this from nationalgeographicmagazine and added:
    for making me lose
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