10.5061/DRYAD.RD3P70D
Kilchoer, Cédric
University of Fribourg
Steiner, Ullrich
University of Fribourg
Wilts, Bodo D.
University of Fribourg
Data from: Thin-film structural coloration from simple fused scales in moths
Dryad
dataset
2019
iridescence
colour tuning
thin film
insect colours
Micropterix
2019-01-08T15:41:18Z
2019-01-08T15:41:18Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2018.0044
2847233 bytes
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CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
The metallic coloration of insects often originates from diverse
nanostructures ranging from simple thin films to complex three-dimensional
photonic crystals. In Lepidoptera, structural coloration is widely present
and seems to be abundant in extant species. However, even some basal moths
exhibit metallic coloration. Here, we have investigated the origin of the
vivid metallic colours of the wing scales of the basal moth Micropterix
aureatella by spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. The
metallic gold-, bronze- and purple-coloured scales share a similar anatomy
formed of a fused lower and upper lamina resulting in a single thin film.
The optical response of this thin-film scale can be attributed to
thin-film interference of the incident light, resulting in the colour
variations that correlate with film thickness. Subtle variations in the
wing scale thickness result in large visible colour changes that give
Micropterix moths their colourful wing patterns. This simple coloration
mechanism could provide a hint to understand the evolution of structural
coloration in Lepidoptera.
Dataset : Optical SimulationSimulated reflection and transmission. Please
read the description.dataset_optical_simulation.zip