Moth Wing

The wings of butterflies and moths may be plain-colored or they may have striking and colorful patterns. These structures are unique because they are covered by microscopic scales that aid in flight, waterproofing, and coloring. Each scale has a grid of high and low ribs and it is the size, pattern and spacing of these ribs that reflect and refract light to give the appearance of color. Each wing may have hundreds or thousands of scales that contribute to the wing color pattern.