Functional adaptation
Wing scales provide lift: butterflies
"The scales all point away from the leading edge of the wing, to help the air flow smoothly over the wings when the insect is in flight. (It has been calculated that scales provide 15 per cent more 'lift' to the butterfly and also improve its gliding performance." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:99)
Learn more about this functional adaptation.
The wings of butterflies gain lift because their scales point away from the leading edge of the wing, helping air flow smoothly over the wing.
"The scales all point away from the leading edge of the wing, to help the air flow smoothly over the wings when the insect is in flight. (It has been calculated that scales provide 15 per cent more 'lift' to the butterfly and also improve its gliding performance." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:99)
Learn more about this functional adaptation.
- Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.
In the latest article
-
Trusted
Lepidoptera
Source information
(c) 2008-2009 The Biomimicry Institute
© The Biomimicry Institute
View source
Supplier:
AskNature
Editor: The Biomimicry Institute
