In a previous post I discussed color patterns in butterfly wings. Each scale is a single color. In some butterflies, colors are produced by pigments. The Tiger Swallowtail below has yellow, black and blue scales on its wing. In these scales the biochemical pathway to produce each color is turned on or off depending on the location of the cells.
The yellow color is due to papiliochrome. This pigment is synthesized from amino acids. The direct precursors are kynurenine and B-alanine. Cells that make papiliochrome take up kynurenine from the hemolymph where it is abundant in swallowtails.
The black scales are produced by melanin. Melanin is produced by the oxidation of cell components by quinones. The same process that tans the insect cuticle and produces hard plates creates the melanin in the black wing scales.
The blue color is due to bilichrome, a blue pigment widespread in nature. Bilichrome contains porphyrin rings.
The pigments used in butterfly scales are relatively common or closely connected to other important biological molecules. The control of pigment production by wing cells is a key to understanding pattern formation in insect wings.
Why is pattern formation important? The process of pattern formation is likely to be similar in most living organisms. Many aspects of human biology are based on “patterns” specific to our cells in a defined location. Understanding pattern formation may lead to therapies that correct defects or even regeneration of missing parts.
Tiger Swallowtail in My Garden
Very glad to know how color of butterflies are produced. Before reading this, when I saw various colors or strips of butterflies, I may exclaimed like, look how gorgeous they are! Yet I never really thought about the reason why, how, and what makes them differ from one and each other, now I know and it is actually very interesting. Also, I learned the importance of pattern formation and I am looking forward its development and practical utility in the future.
It was very interesting to see how certain colors in a butterfly could be produced by pigments in the cell. I was previously aware that this was the same way plants work, such as why the grass is green. It’s weird to see how a plant and an insect can both have their colors affected by pigments and the suns rays.
It is really neat to learn how every scale and cell needs to work together in order to produce color. I think it’s amazing how all parts of the wing are intertwined together. I never knew how color was produced in general and this gave me a better understanding of how it works within an insect like the butterfly.
I think it is very interesting to find out how the pigment of butterflies wings are produced. I always admired the beautiful patterns and colors of the butterfly wings. It is awesome to know that every time I look at a butterfly I know that the colors were produced by scales and cells in the butterfly.
I think it is very interesting to find out how the pigment of butterflies wings are produced. I always admired the beautiful patterns and colors of the butterfly wings. It is awesome to know that every time I look at a butterfly I know that the colors were produced by scales and cells in the butterfly.
It’s cool to know how the colors on butterfly wings are produced. It would be even cooler if I can get to know how the pattern was formed. I wonder how many other kind of colors that can appear on a butterfly.
It’s very interesting to learn how the color pigments on butterfly’s are produced. I had no idea that a bunch of different cells and amino acids create the pigments. They are so beautiful, no whenever I see a butterfly I’ll think of how their colors were formed.
This article really interested me because when I think of insects, butterflies are definitely one of the few insects that I think are pretty. It is interesting how the pigment colors on butterfly’s wings are made the reasons for the coloring. I have never thought about why or how these pigments on butterflies are certain colors, I just admired how beautiful they are. Now I will know why each different butterfly is a specific color.
It is amazing to learn how the color of butterfly was produced by pigments. It is really beautiful and attractive. I wonder can we implant those cells and amino acids in to humam’s body? It might reduce the pain of getting a tattoo and won’t cost some skin disease.
It is very interesting that kind of first time know about the color connect to the local cells. The different colors on butterfly influenced by the three main kind: papiliochrome,melanin and bilichrome. The further notice information is about the benifits studying the color of butterfly, according to the color, scientists can know the the gene and biont cells shows, which will bring more discovery on human beings.