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 best artists are hard put to equal the natural iridescence of a butterfly’s delicate wings. But new research may bring humans closer to matching nature — and putting that beauty to practical use.

A selective mating experiment by a curious butterfly breeder has led scientists to a deeper understanding of how butterfly wing color is created and evolves. The study, led by scientists at University ...

Research from UChicago dissects how a single genetic switch helps butterflies mimic wing patterns of other species to protect ...

The rich, shimmering colors of some butterfly wings are produced not by pigments, but by a special geometric formation of cells, a new study suggests. Researchers used an X-ray scattering technique to ...

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 ...

Researchers shared that colorful butterflies are losing vibrancy due to deforestation, which could indicate larger issues relating to the health of the Earth and its ecosystems.

Why is Christian Science in our name? Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The church publishes the ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Monarch butterflies in Eastern North America complete one of the ...

Planting milkweed is one of the best ways to help monarch butterflies. This plant is the only food source for monarch ...