2006-08-06 14:59:26 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
What you are calling "dust" is actually scales. Microscopic scales; on diurnal butterflys wings, the scales have the right size to scatter some colors, hence the color of butterfly wings.
Why is a butterfly unable to fly once stripped of their scales? One reason may simply be the rough handling that deprived them of those scales, but perhaps it could be that the roughness of the wings is what is required to create small eddies (aerodynamic turbulance) that increases lift, just like the dimples on a golf ball extent the range over what it would be for a perfectly smooth ball.
2006-08-06 15:14:49 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The dust is really tiny scales that cover the wings, and once removed makes the wing less aerodynamic...some are still able to fly but in handling them, you have to remember that they are rather soft-bodied and rather delicate. A technique used by some collectors is to pinch the body after they catch a moth or butterfly...it is a fast way to kill them rather than using cyanide or carbon tetrachloride.
2006-08-06 16:13:02 · answer #2 · answered by Frank 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what, that is an interesting question. Perhaps the 'dust' is like their wing tissue, thus removing that you remove the wing. Or maybe it has to do with the aerodynamics of the wing's structure.
Or maybe that is just what they want you to think o_O.
2006-08-06 15:06:21 · answer #3 · answered by Taosky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the dust or scales stabilize the wings and make sure the moth can stay in the air.
2006-08-06 15:29:39 · answer #4 · answered by That one guy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you talking about when people handle them and the oil from are skin damages their wings?
2006-08-06 15:04:51 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋