The radiant colors on the wings of Butterfly are a subject matter for researchers. The method with which Butterfly cerates the sharp colors on their wings will really help to replace the use of expensive dyes and cosmetics. Some US and European researchers studied the photonic crystal structures (Cyanophrys remus) that are naturally develop on the wings of Butterfly.

The recurring structures of photonic crystals possess equivalent size to that of light particles. The emitted light of certain frequency is due to mutual divergence interference of repeated structures. The researchers also found that the structures are made up of chitin (a plysaccharide).

They found that metallic blue color is produced are photonic crystals arranged symmetrically while the dull green is the result of unsystematical arrangement of photonic crystals. The random arrangement is also responsible for emitting green, yellow and blue colors.

Therefore, the study will solve the mystery of colors to bring it to commercial platform in upcoming years to swap dyes made from metal colors and to use in fragrant cosmetics.

Via: newscientisttech34078