What is this close-up picture? (WotsThat: Butterfly wing scales (macro))

Question

What object is shown in this zoomed-in close-up photo?

AbyssalPrint · Accepted Answer

Butterfly wing scales (macro). Butterfly wing scales are arranged like roof tiles and contain no pigment at all—their brilliant blues, greens, and iridescent colors come entirely from the way these microscopic structures bend and scatter light, which is why the colors shimmer and change depending on the angle you view them from. This is the same optical trick that makes oil slicks and soap bubbles rainbow-colored, except butterflies perfected it over millions of years of evolution.

Answer: Butterfly wing scales (macro)

More insect close-ups