Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/23/04
Contacts:
Nathan Brockman, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, mantisnb@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire,
Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033, jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of Dec. 20, 2004
The Delicate Wings of a Butterfly
Nathan Brockman
Reiman Gardens,
Iowa State University
An old wives tale says that if you touch the wings of a butterfly, it will no longer be able to fly. There is a bit of truth to this myth as butterfly wings are rather delicate and, if improperly handled, could be broken. Broken wings greatly shorten the life expectancy of the butterfly, but the butterfly will likely live, although lose some of the tiny overlapping scales that cover its wings.
Even though the scales do not play a role in butterfly flight, they help ensure butterfly survival. The unique combination of scales creates the colors and patterns found on the wings of each butterfly species. These scales provide camouflage, warning colors, mimicry or even aid in mate location. So if a butterfly is mishandled and the scales are rubbed off, its altered appearance makes it more susceptible to predators. Additionally, the scales on the wings also serve as solar reflectors to help warm the butterfly.
Of course, there is always an exception to the rule, and one butterfly that proves scales are not needed for flight is Greta oto, commonly referred to as the Glasswing. The wings of this small tropical butterfly are primarily transparent allowing the Glasswing to blend in with almost any environment. Look closely for the Glasswings in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing at Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 220K. Caption: The wings of this Glasswing butterfly are primarily transparent allowing it to blend in with almost any environment. |
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