Glasswing Butterflies: Mirroring the Maker

Glasswings lack colored scales, making their wings see-through. That’s why in Spanish-speaking regions glasswing butterflies are known as espejitos, meaning “little mirrors.”

New research has revealed that special nanostructures give this butterfly’s wings low reflection. The same nanostructures allow the wings to filter all sorts of light, from the spectrum visible to humans, to infrared and ultraviolet light seen only by animals. These special features make it difficult for predators like birds to track the butterfly during flight.

However, the butterfly might not be the only one benefitting from this unique design. Their glassy wings have recently inspired a new nanostructured glass that is durable, nonreflective, and water repellant. Among other things, researchers hope to use the technology in mobile phone and laptop displays.

Scientists often copy brilliant designs found in nature to advance human innovation (a process known as biomimicry). Many scientists give credit to the supposed happenstance behind evolution, but we know that God should get the glory. Glasswing butterflies may not reflect light, but these “little mirrors” certainly reflect their Maker.

This article was taken from Answers magazine, July–August, 2020, 38.