If you’ve ever wondered why some animals like butterflies, birds, and beetles shimmer in the light and change from one iridescent color to the next, it’s because they don’t rely on pigments as most of ...

Butterflies have long been believed to represent transformation and change, thanks to the stunning metamorphosis they must go through to go from caterpillar to the winged pollinator so many of us ...

Butterfly wings get their color in ways that almost feel impossible. Up close, each wing is made of countless tiny scales that either hold pigment or manipulate light. The oranges, reds, and browns ...

Some butterflies get their fabulous colors from light refracted through membrane shapes that were first discovered by mathematicians and applied in space-age material science. Using microscopes with ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The blue morpho butterfly is arguably the most glamorous insect on ...

Ask a social butterfly where she got that great dress, and she'll say, "This old thing?" and then tell you its entire history. Ask an actual butterfly about its colorful attire, and things get a lot ...