How the butterfly got its spots
By tweaking just one or two genes, Cornell University researchers have altered the patterns on a butterfly's wings. It's not just a new art form, but a major clue to understanding how the butterflies have evolved, and perhaps to how color patterns -- and other patterns and shapes -- have evolved in other species. Ref. Source 9r.
Surprising insights into properties of butterfly wings. A collaboration between biologists and materials scientists is yielding new insights into the wings of the "Skipper butterfly" in the Costa Rican rainforest. What they learn could lead to technological advancements in systems ranging from power-efficient computer displays to sensors to energy efficient buildings, windows and vehicles. Source 7u.