Butterfly wings and scales

A butterfly’s wings consist of a thin, transparent double membrane stiffened by a network of veins. The network is supplied with blood through fine channels in the veins. The wings are covered with small, flat, hollow scales (butterfly dust).

The colours come either from pigments or from fine layered structures in the scales that cause certain colours to be reflected – the metallic colours, for example.

With age the scales come loose, so the butterfly may look a little worn, but it flies just as well all the same.

More photos

Butterflies use sight to some extent to communicate with others of their kind. The colours and patterns of the wings play a big part in this. Some colourful species are shown here.

Moths make less use of sight to communicate with others of their kind, since they logically fly at night. The colours of their wings are therefore often dark – mostly grey/brownish. The exceptions are the day-flying moths. Several of them are as colourful as butterflies, as shown here.

The network of veins that stiffens the wings is clearly visible on the Brimstone

Many males have scent scales on their wings, often visible as black areas on the forewings. The scales produce scents (pheromones) to attract females. Here on a Silver-washed Fritillary, in the form of long streaks.

Many males have scent scales on their wings, often visible as black areas on the forewings. The scales produce scents (pheromones) to attract females. Here on a Large Skipper – seen as short streaks

Worn Common Blue (male), seen on 1 October, very late in the season. Many scales have rubbed off.