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by luckyjeans on September 26th, 2006

luckyjeans

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What are butterfly wings made of?

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  • by rincewind11189 on September 26th, 2006

    rincewind11189

    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. See http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterflies/anatomy/Wings.shtml

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