2006-08-04 05:31:54 · 10 answers · asked by mau 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
thats the color from the butterflys wings coming off on yr fingers...this hurts the butterfly...dont do it...
2006-08-04 05:34:43 · answer #1 · answered by tanny_fanny_2_by_4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you touch the wing of a butterfly or moth, some dust seems to rub off on your fingers. This "dust" is made
up of tiny scales . Butterfly wings are clear but covered with tiny scales, take a close look at a butterfly wing to
see them. These scales serve several functions. They create the beautiful color patterns we see, they help in
absorbing or reflecting sunlight. Since these scales fall off so easily they help the butterflies when predators
try to have a snack. It is generally not a good idea to touch a butterfly's wings.
2006-08-04 05:38:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sacles on their winsg are being ripped off the supporting membrane that holds them.. this can kill them...:
from: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterfly/
Wing Structure and Scales: Butterfly wings are made of two chitonous layers (membranes) that are nourished and supported by tubular veins. The veins also function in oxygen exchange ("breathing"). Covering the wings are thousands of colorful scales, together with many hairs (setae). The name Lepidoptera (which includes butterflies and moths) means "scale wing" in Greek. These wing scales are tiny overlapping pieces of chitin on a butterfly or moth wing. The scales are outgrowths of the body wall and are modified, plate-like setae (hairs). The front and back of the wings usually have different patterns.
2006-08-04 05:38:33 · answer #3 · answered by STROMBOLI-KRAKATOA JR 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you're crushing the wing and it's rubbing off on your fingers. don't touch the butterflies
2006-08-04 06:33:41 · answer #4 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is butterfly dust to help the butterfly fly and also to help them to escape being caught.
2006-08-04 05:34:43 · answer #5 · answered by cows4me79 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't touch butterflies on their wings. It can kill them.
2006-08-04 05:36:50 · answer #6 · answered by T Time 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't touch butterflies, it eventually kills them, the color somehow protects their delicate skins.
2006-08-04 05:46:29 · answer #7 · answered by aloneinga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pollen!
2006-08-04 05:36:42 · answer #8 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is the scales off their wings
2006-08-04 05:35:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We do?
2006-08-04 05:35:40 · answer #10 · answered by a b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋